Crusaders v Kings

[Billy Tell]

<p>4th AB lock will be interesting: Whitelock, Retallick and Tuipoulotou seem certain, but that 4th spot.  Hmmm.  I reckon Jimmy Tupou has started the season very well.</p>

[mariner4life]

Gee the kings are a welcome addition

[Bones]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="565806" data-time="1458375671"><p>4th AB lock will be interesting: Whitelock, Retallick and Tuipoulotou seem certain, but that 4th spot. Hmmm. I reckon Jimmy Tupou has started the season very well.</p></blockquote>
Really? Hasn't looked that great IMO. Thomson and Abbott were impressive and Franklin did a good job. I'd say there's a few at least on a par if not better.

[Billy Tell]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="565837" data-time="1458380693"><p>
Really? Hasn't looked that great IMO. Thomson and Abbott were impressive and Franklin did a good job. I'd say there's a few at least on a par if not better.</p></blockquote><br>
Agree to disagree I suppose. Apparently hansen wants a lock/6. Luatua and Thomson are names I've seen but Tupou was at 8 today and I think he's played well at lock. Maybe I'm missing something.

[hydro11]

<p>Luatua will be in the squad if Hansen wants that sort of player. I think Broadhurst will waltz in if he replicates 2015 form.</p>

[Billy Tell]

Broadhurst was borderline terrible in his 1 test. Once bitten twice shy unless he has an absolutely storming S18.

[hydro11]

<p>Broadhurst was clearly the best lock in Super Rugby last season. He then got 40 minutes at Ellis Park in a half where most of the forwards didn't really stand up.</p>

[taniwharugby]

<p>Broadhurst might not play again, given the time between his head knock in ITM Cup and the S18 season, that has to be a very real possibility unfortunately</p>

[Unco]

<p>No need for another lock/6 when Luatua's pretty much guaranteed a spot thanks to the Sevens and Vito leaving.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As for a fourth lock, Bird will should make it back in time for the last 6 or 7 rounds, so hopefully he'll come back in the sort of form we saw in the Baabaas game and ITM Cup last year. Scott Barrett's worth a look too.</p>

[SammyC]

I'd prefer Elliot Dixon to luatua on current form

[wildman]

Luatua is far from guaranteed a spot. Dixon can cover the loose & lock and is streaks ahead of the blue Jesus <br><br><br>
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[Hooroo]

Dixon reminds me of a smarter version of Ron Cribb. Mobile, Skillfull and tough in the breakdown.

[gt12]

I think Thomson is doing his chances no harm either. I take him before Luatua on recent form.