Crusaders v Blues
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@act-crusader McCaw is irreplaceable although I'm sure Steve Brett, Mose Tuiali'i and Ali Williams will do a job for Dean's & Gibson
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@act-crusader Word from the camp is that Scott Robertson may not make the starting team either.
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THE BLUES CHASE GOOD FRIDAY AGAINST CRUSADERS IN CHRISTCHURCH — Blues Rugby
The Blues will get no tougher litmus test on their progress than the Easter Friday clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch. The team bagged three wins in their challenging three-game schedule in a week, before resetting with an impressive victory against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
1. Alex Hodgman (48)
2. Kurt Eklund (30)
3. Ofa Tuungafasi (113)
4. Luke Romano (5)
5. Josh Goodhue (42)
6. Tom Robinson (38)
7. Dalton Papalii© (50)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (29)
9. Finlay Christie (23)
10. Beauden Barrett (10)
11. Mark Telea (31)
12. Bryce Heem (13)
13. Reiko Ioane (79)
14. AJ Lam (13)
15. Stephen Perofeta (38)16. Ricky Riccitelli 5)
17. Jordan Lay (3)
18. Nepo Laulala (17)
19. James Tucker (4)
20. Adrian Choat (11)
21. Taufa Funaki (3)
22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (3)
23. Zarn Sullivan (11)/ Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepens (5)Players not considered: Akira Ioane, Harry Plummer, Sam Nock
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@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
I don't quite understand how Laulala is back? Didn't he get 3 weeks?
Was it three games perhaps? If so, thanks MP.
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@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
I don't quite understand how Laulala is back? Didn't he get 3 weeks?
Was it three games perhaps? If so, thanks MP.
Even 3 games doesn't add up unless you count the game he got red-carded in.
from Stuff
Laulala pleaded guilty to the Sanzaar foul play review committee for contravening Law 9.20: dangerous play in a ruck or maul. He is suspended from all forms of the game up to and including April 15, which will see him also sit out the visits to the Chiefs and Crusaders.EDIT - Blues have said his suspension has been reduced one week.
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@kiwimurph A friend messaged me something about Laulala being able to do a training course that would get him off another week of the suspension. Haven't been able to find anything about it though, and the friend has no knowledge other than what's in the press.
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@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kirwan said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
I don't quite understand how Laulala is back? Didn't he get 3 weeks?
Was it three games perhaps? If so, thanks MP.
Even 3 games doesn't add up unless you count the game he got red-carded in.
from Stuff
Laulala pleaded guilty to the Sanzaar foul play review committee for contravening Law 9.20: dangerous play in a ruck or maul. He is suspended from all forms of the game up to and including April 15, which will see him also sit out the visits to the Chiefs and Crusaders.EDIT - Blues have said his suspension has been reduced one week.
Did they say why, and just as importantly did they get the same for Caleb?
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@kiwimurph I am staggered by this! Shook my head as I read the team list.
And poor Milo-Harris is out of the 23
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@tim said in Crusaders v Blues:
@kiwimurph A friend messaged me something about Laulala being able to do a training course that would get him off another week of the suspension. Haven't been able to find anything about it though, and the friend has no knowledge other than what's in the press.
Ahh, I did read that Caleb couldn't do that course because his action wasn't covered by anything. Seems a bit unfair.
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All Black Ofa Tuungafasi has been cleared to start at tighthead prop, despite receiving 28 stitches in a facial wound against the Chiefs
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I assume Laulala's reduction comes from this paragraph in SANZAAR's decision:
"The Player was informed of his ability to apply for the Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention. Any player who has a citing or red card upheld by a disciplinary panel for foul play involving the Head Contact Process may apply to have the final week of their sanction substituted by undertaking a coaching intervention that specifically addresses the technical tackle/contact technique-error that caused or contributed to the foul play. This intervention will be overseen by the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Expert Review Panel – a panel of expert independent coaches - and is only be available to first time offenders."
But that's a big joke in Laulala's case, because he's hardly a first time offender. But hey, if they offer this to him, of course he'll take it!
Strangely enough, the decision in Clarke's case has disappeared from SANZAAR's website (I downloaded the decision, so it was there before). Anyhow, a reduction in Clarke's case for a similar reason as Laulala's wouldn't have made him available for the Crusaders game, as he got his card in a later game.
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1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor (VC)
3. Oli Jager
4. Scott Barrett (C)
5. Zach Gallagher
6. Ethan Blackadder
7. Tom Christie
8. Cullen Grace
9. Bryn Hall
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. Leicester Fainga'anuku
12. David Havili (VC)
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. Will JordanRESERVES:
16. Ricky Jackson
17. George Bower
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Dominic Gardiner
20. Pablo Matera
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Fergus Burke
23. George Bridge -
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@kiwimurph said in Crusaders v Blues:
big chance for Gallagher to show his wares.
An interesting sub plot. It's been reported that Romano thought he'd done enough to earn another contract but (understandably) the Crusaders went for a young player to develop. Romano was a bit grumpy about that. Now they get to face each other
Shall we take bets on which minute Romano gets red carded?
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@duluth No idea why Romano would want to have stayed at the Crusaders anyway when he played about 40 mins total of Super Rugby last year and they same would have happened had he been offered another contract there this year, where they could give the contract to an up and comer.
Fair to say the Crusaders made the right call on that one, and also, he's done a decent job for us especially in recent weeks. Its worked out for both parties.
