Crusaders v Blues
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="pukunui" data-cid="562171" data-time="1457008162"><p>Clearly after 1 game? Surely players should get a couple of weeks to actually show something before having their form judged.<br><br>
Interesting the changes to the Blues, Particularly 9/10. Hopefully this is 'giving the guys a crack' and not the start of the chopping and changing that has been an issue at the Blues for years.</p></blockquote>
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It's all good, Kaino was anonymous last week so is also out of form..... -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="561994" data-time="1456949290">
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<p>Pat Lam liked to rotate his halves too :whistle:</p>
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<p>Kees Meeuws on the breakdown last night reckoned that Tana is saving his best teams for the home games.</p>
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<p>Sees getting the crowds back at Eden park a priority. I quite like that attitude, it's what Wayne Smith and Robbie Deans did at canterbury and crusaders when they took over.</p>
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<p>While all that is fair enough , </p>
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<p>I thought there was possibly the best opportunity to do what no Blues team has done for a long time , and beat the Crusaders away , </p>
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<p>That would have got people talking and helped the crowds for when they return , </p>
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<p>The Crusaders do look more vulnerable than we are used to , but im going to stop short of writing them off , we have been here before and they prove you wrong time and time again </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="562180" data-time="1457026685">
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<p> </p>
<p>The Crusaders do look more vulnerable than we are used to , but im going to stop short of writing them off , we have been here before and they prove you wrong time and time again </p>
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<p>Considering that they regularly lose their opening game, last week was no big surprise.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="562180" data-time="1457026685">
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<p>While all that is fair enough , </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I thought there was possibly the best opportunity to do what no Blues team has done for a long time , and beat the Crusaders away , </p>
<p> </p>
<p>That would have got people talking and helped the crowds for when they return , </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Crusaders do look more vulnerable than we are used to , but im going to stop short of writing them off , we have been here before and they prove you wrong time and time again </p>
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<p>Agree 100%. If I was Umaga I'd have Faumauina and Ioane starting for sure. Plus the 9 and 10 from last week.</p>
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<p>I think the crusaders are there for the taking</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="562189" data-time="1457035614"><p>
Agree 100%. If I was Umaga I'd have Faumauina and Ioane starting for sure. Plus the 9 and 10 from last week.<br><br>
I think the crusaders are there for the taking</p></blockquote>
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Given the loosies are JK, Gibson and Luatua starting Ioane from the bench is understandable. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="562190" data-time="1457036649">
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<p>Given the loosies are JK, Gibson and Luatua starting Ioane from the bench is understandable.</p>
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<p>I would start him ahead of Luatua.</p>
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<p>I don't think he would have missed that tackle close to the line last week.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="562192" data-time="1457037001">
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<p>I would start him ahead of Luatua.</p>
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<p>Me too.</p>
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<p>Seems like the hottest prospect in NZ rugby, right now.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Mister G" data-cid="562227" data-time="1457046761">
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<p>The Blues have the makings of a decent team but the coaches have been a big hinderence and it looks like another guy is on an ego trip. Why change a winning team?</p>
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<p>WHy don't you read the thread to find out?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="562010" data-time="1456954896">
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<p>They've always done that as well. It is the fickle Auckland crowds that they need to play up to.</p>
<p>Get some home wins, gets the crowds in (no one likes to go to games when their team loses) and you have a better chance of capturing/ retaining the good players.</p>
<p>I'm not saying that the guys tasked each week won't be aiming for a win, just that there will likely be some longer term strategies playing out as well.</p>
<p>It could also simply be a case of the coaches identifying a greater need for squad competition to push the top layer higher. If that meant a promise of giving players a shot in the early rounds then it is a means to an end.</p>
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<p>Blues went 14 and 10 at home under Kirwan, at Eden Park they went 13 and 7 . They won 2 and lost 22 games away from home over that period. Kirwan did more than anyone to get the team connecting with the fans. He just didn't win enough games. Tana has already said the team won't make the playoffs this year. That's understandable. Winning at home simply won't be enough to get crowds back because the Blues always did this.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="562234" data-time="1457048150">
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<p>WHy don't you read the thread to find out?</p>
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<p>then he wouldnt be able to throw out the rancid bait and just make white noise?</p> -
Good conditions for rugby.
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<p>Happy 2016 all!</p>
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<p>Didn't get to watch any of the 1st round...as was camping with my better half and the kids.</p>
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<p>stoked to see the games this week.</p>
<p>Picking a few upsets this round.... and I believe the Blues might be able to tip the Saders over here in chch....</p> -
Smart by Luatua
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That Billy Guyton is playing a bit shit. Bad passes and bad options.<br><br>Blues front row clearly outclassed.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="antipodean" data-cid="562350" data-time="1457074484">
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<p>That Billy Guyton is playing a bit shit. Bad passes and bad options.<br><br>
Blues front row clearly outclassed.</p>
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<p>they are getting smoked.... whats the weight of both packs?</p>
