Crusaders 2023
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@Duluth They have done that with Sykes-Martin. Seb Calder is also an Academy player. And now Rueben O'Neill.
There's not that much choice. They've been scraping an empty barrel. Several NZ props that would have otherwise been called upon, are now playing in the MLR.
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@Winger said in Crusaders 2023:
And the Crusaders will just have to do what other teams do. Make do with players they have got. And if they are short of prop's tough luck. They have had enough warning to bring in the best NPC props to get them up to speed. Canes often make do with rubbish players. Like our replacement hooker.
Sour grapes much? How about some praise for the Super Coach's performance in the face of such adversity? How many injuries, a record number for any SR squad ever?
And yet Razor still has the team at 2nd despite having to resort to Chiefs region discards like Dylan Nel & Ruben O'Neill. If he can win the title from this position it will be a revered achievement comparable to the Highlander's scalp of 2015.
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@Stargazer Have you seen Afoa being unavailable anywhere but that Newshub article? If not, I'm not going to treat it as gospel.
With Hotham gone, we probably have to give Chapman a run to ensure he's eligible for the play-offs.
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Blackadder and Jager should be back next week not sure about Heinz.
Gardiner I am not sure about I haven’t heard he is injured.
I think Afoa will be able to play Finals due to having all those injuries Afoa was 4 th choice replacement behind Calder,Skyes -Martin and O’Neill.
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Despite injuries, Crusaders remain on course for 2nd spot ahead of Super Rugby Pacific playoffs
A lesser team than the Christchurch-based Crusaders might have been laid low by the barrage of injuries and other setbacks which have dogged the latter part of the regular season in Super Rugby Pacific. The defending champion Crusaders have lost three All Blacks props to injury during the course...
Havili and Grace both are out for the rest of the Super Rugby season, bringing to nine the number of Crusaders players who will miss the playoffs. At the same time Afoa and Crotty likely won’t be eligible because rules require players to have played in New Zealand by April 1 to qualify for the playoffs.
The Crusaders could apply for dispensation to play Afoa if they do not have a full complement of props.
“There are obligations for us to put a team out that’s safe and players are ready.” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said. “Essentially the rule is someone who has played in New Zealand before April 1 is eligible to play for finals and John (Afoa) definitely wasn’t that.”
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@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2023:
Essentially the rule is someone who has played in New Zealand before April 1 is eligible to play for finals and John (Afoa) definitely wasn’t that.”
Thanks for posting. Pleased there is a rule like this. So Afoa shouldn't be available.
“There are obligations for us to put a team out that’s safe and players are ready.” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.
Yes Scott. There is. But expect to hear a lot about safety now. Rather than we just didn't like the quality of eligible props that were available.
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Newsflash - The Crusaders do something and certain posters on the Fern put a negative spin on it.
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@kiwi_expat said in Crusaders 2023:
If he can win the title from this position it will be a revered achievement comparable to the Highlander's scalp of 2015.
I'll just get the marble and chisel out then. Genuflections will follow the sainthood ceremony.
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@Toddy yep, this is supposed to be elite rugby, not like a club team getting thier super players back just for the finals.
I still think all the wtg players should be able to be called on by any team through the year.
