Crusaders 2023

[Stargazer]

@Chris-B Yeah, that's what I was thinking, but I remembered that Messam case and then there's that media article. So now I'm not so sure what the rules are at the moment.

[Chris B.]

@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.

[Chris]

@Chris-B
Chapman is on the bench this week.

[Chris B.]

@Chris Yeah - that's what I mean.

Razor probably had to name him - in case either of Drummie or Heinz gets injured in the play-offs.

[Chris]

@Chris-B

Heinz still injured.

[Chris B.]

@Chris Ah right - in that case he just had to name him!

Hopefully, Willie is fit for next week.

My call on Scott Barrett to 6 for the play-offs growing some legs!

[george33]

@Chris-B correct Afoa and Crotty will not b available for playoffs had to have been in squad by round 9 is my understanding

[Chris]

@Chris-B

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.

[george33]

@Chris on Afoa he won't b involved in finals as overseas player I understand they would have to get nz based player and good to see John signing for BOP, I do wonder tho if that's a bit of a loop hole for crusaders but probably not ?

[Chris]

@george33
Unless they have sought a dispensation but not sure of that.

[gt12]

@Chris said in Hurricanes vs Crusaders:

@george33
Unless they have sought a dispensation but not sure of that.

You would assume they had.

To be honest, I'd like him available, even if it means you fluffybunnies go much further.

[Chris B.]

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.”

[Winger]

@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.

[Crazy Horse]

Newsflash - The Crusaders do something and certain posters on the Fern put a negative spin on it.

[Bovidae]

MP will have some props available soon. Pole, for example, has played for the Crusaders before.

[nostrildamus]

@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.

[Toddy]

I've loved seeing Afoa back. Looking forward to his game this week too. I don't have a problem with players outside super rugby coming in at any stage of the comp.

[taniwharugby]

@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.

[SBW1]

Wonder if they could bring in Levi Aumua. MP are out of the playoffs, he is with Ta$man at NPC.

[Crazy Horse]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2023:

Wonder if they could bring in Levi Aumua. MP are out of the playoffs, he is with Ta$man at NPC.

That would be pushing it.