Crusaders 2024
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I think what I struggled with most is that, as noted, there was a sprinkle of ABs in every pack that should have ensured that the less experienced players should be able to fit around and still perform the basics well. That they still haven't suggests that realising that the core of your pack is well versed in a particular way of playing you don't want to change that at all. I can only assume the failure is a result of changing that default so no one is clear as to what they should do. It certainly looks like that. If so it is a really poor strategic approach for the season. That's on the coaches.
The issues at 10 meant that I never thought the backline would be any better than just basics with Sevu the only real threat. Got that right at least.
Third 10 in 3 weeks wont change that. -
Coach in 1996 was Vance Stewart.
He was Coach for one year ....... -
Crusaders need better players at nine and ten. Heinz should be gone, Drummond is on his last legs, and Hotham needs to learn how to pass.
Is there anyone coming through their system, Or do they target someone from outside? Who's off contract and who would be worth recruiting?
Jordi Viljoen
Sam Nock
Jonathan Taumateine
Xavier Roe
Te Toiroa TahuriorangiSame questions apply at 10, but there may be some better targets there:
Zarn Sullivan
Josh Jacomb
Tiaan Falcon
Ajay Faleafaga
Aidan Morgan -
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Thought it was set up for Tamati Ellison to take over as head coach? That’s been the chat anyway.
As for 9 and 10. TTT has already been down it Christchurch with the crusaders under razor and all he did was play club footy. Hotham will come right and he is their answer at 9 but as for who is behind him, no idea.
Faleafaga isn’t leaving Dunedin anytime soon and I’m pretty sure Jacomb has tied himself up with the Chiefs. You could make a case for Josh Ioane but I’m unsure of his contract situation. The one that would make sense would be to bring back Alex Harford who is up with the blues wider squad, I’d say they are now regretting not signing him up. Rives Reihana has plenty of talent but it’s the classic case of needing time in the saddle.
They are the crusaders and they will be ok. Too much talent in that squad to have a repeat season like this one.
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@Landers92 said in Crusaders 2024:
Josh Ioane
Must admit that I had completely forgotten about him. Very flaky player.
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@Chris said in Crusaders 2024:
Coaching group I don’t think will change
Even though there are some mitigating factors in terms of injuries and a tricky draw and plenty of close losses - and hopefully getting more games out of the likes of Barrett, Jordan, Taylor, Blackadder and Williams next year would solve some problems - I have zero faith this coaching group will rebound to win the competition next year.
If they'd maybe finished 6th or 7th there might have been something to build on. And there have been some appalling performances.
I don't see how anyone from the Crusaders' Executive could get up and say, with a straight face, "We have faith in Rob Penney to turn it around". Based on what?
He's continued where he left off from the Waratahs.
Unless we simply can't afford to sack him financially, he has got to go and most of his assistants should be scanning the Situations Vacant columns, as well. Maybe not the scrum coach, but that guy is probably also responsible for the lineout, so...
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@Kirwan said in Crusaders 2024:
@george33 said in Crusaders 2024:
Blackadder to Japan ?
Another player tapped that he's not required?
Doubtful.
Jason Ryan seemed pretty keen to get him to France last year.
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@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2024:
I don't see how anyone from the Crusaders' Executive could get up and say, with a straight face, "We have faith in Rob Penney to turn it around". Based on what?
The people that appointed him would have to admit a mistake
Mansbridge attacking the media as childish for suggesting Penney should be sacked tells you something about the mentality. Remember how unprofessional the same guy was when Darry signed with the Blues?
