Lions v Crusaders
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Dan54" data-cid="569088" data-time="1459556048">
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<p>No would make it harder to get more kiwi teams in finals, they would knock each other out of contention.</p>
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<p>No, it's easier because they're competing with Aussie teams for wildcard spots and there's less games against NZ teams.</p>
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<p>Super 15 - 18 Rounds:</p>
<p>8 NZ games</p>
<p>8 non-NZ games</p>
<p>2 byes</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Super 18 - 17 Rounds:</p>
<p>6 NZ games</p>
<p>9 non-NZ games</p>
<p>2 byes</p>
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<p>I really didn't like the conference idea before but while I still think the travel sucks and that the Sunwolves shouldn't be in the SA conference, I think this format is much better than the one we had before.</p> -
<p>Don't know what scrums the ref was looking at. A couple of times the crusaders smashed the lions scrum and he just reset. Then when crockett goes backwards, while keeping the scrum up, he blow the penalty to lions.</p>
<p>Lost count of the times the lions had a dummy runner causing obstruction. Never got called. He also seemed to police the mauls differently, giving the lions an age but calling use it really quickly when the crusaders had the ball.</p>
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<p>Anyway good win for the Crusaders. Good to see Crotty playing well. Still not a fan of Fonotia.</p> -
Was a very stop start sort of game despite being high scoring. <br><br>
Good to see us playing more direct with runners off the shoulder. <br><br>
What's up with some of the grounds this season? They are getting torn up badly at every scrum. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="569084" data-time="1459553519">
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<p>I think the media (and others) underestimating the Crusaders is all due to the fact that they have lost McCaw and Carter,</p>
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<p>I think the Crusaders have been underestimated because their backline, except for Nadalo, has sucked for the past 3 years and possibly because Blackadder has been at the helm during this time and is still there. I personally have not considered the loss of Carter or McCaw as a factor. The Crusaders have a great cohesive pack. Put a good backline in place and they are competing for the title.</p>
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Watching game now. McNichol was bloody impressive.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rancid Schnitzel" data-cid="569114" data-time="1459577581"><p>Watching game now. McNichol was bloody impressive.</p></blockquote>
First time I recall him not looking like a boy amongst men at super level! Still pretty funny when he got turfed outta that ruck about 5 from the end. <br><br>
Crusaders showing excellent organisation with ball in hand. Looked a bit like a game vs previous years cheetahs though. -
<p>Very happy to take two wins from the SA road trip, especially given the supposed quality of the two teams. I hope we don't stumble against the Force in Perth now, who have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Crusaders over the years and who played well for 60 minutes against the Highlanders in Dunedin.</p>
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<p>I hate people who harp on about the referee after a game, but I found Stuart Berry's officiating at scrum time extremely frustrating to watch.</p> -
<p>THe canes were looking like getting into thier stride the last couple of weeks leading into thier bye, the Highlanders are trucking on and both the Crusaders and Chiefs have been looking very sharp....tough pool this Australasian one!! </p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="569517" data-time="1459636976"><p>
First time I recall him not looking like a boy amongst men at super level! Still pretty funny when he got turfed outta that ruck about 5 from the end. <br><br>
Crusaders showing excellent organisation with ball in hand. Looked a bit like a game vs previous years cheetahs though.</p></blockquote>
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Thing is I saw him live against the Reds (yes yes they are shit) in 2014 and you could see the potential. He's big and incredibly quick. Tore Qld a new arsehole that day. Hope he finally lifts this year. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cantab79" data-cid="569535" data-time="1459642940"><p>
Very happy to take two wins from the SA road trip, especially given the supposed quality of the two teams. I hope we don't stumble against the Force in Perth now, who have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Crusaders over the years and who played well for 60 minutes against the Highlanders in Dunedin.<br><br>
I hate people who harp on about the referee after a game, but I found Stuart Berry's officiating at scrum time extremely frustrating to watch.</p></blockquote>
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Got to agree. Appeared to be some feedback that he was pretty much blatently biased. So I was deliberately looking for it in his decisions.<br><br>
Frankly i think it was more he was out of his depth. <br><br>
The only call I think was super glaringly wrong was the tip tackle on Romano (?). Had to be a penalty if not a yc. Went with the scrum ... ???<br><br>
Oh. And when he penalised the Saders for the Ellis Park grass being shit. That was poor.
