Crusaders 2025
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Robert van Royen in a stuff opinion piece:
Say what you will about the red an blacks signing O’Connor, but this much is clear - the 34-year-old former Wallaby is a big upgrade from Riley Hohepa. Just how much he is relied upon will depend on the progress of Kemara and Reihana, who have 18 Super Rugby caps between them. Reihana was guilty of telegraphing passes, shifting the ball too quickly and not keeping defensive lines honest with his legs when he had opportunities last year, Touted as Richie Mo’unga’s long-term successor, Kemara has been hindered by injuries and was released to play club rugby after his confidence took a hit last year.An honest summary of Reihana. This will be his 5th season with a SR side. Surely the fundamentals should be better by now
What are Crusaders fans thoughts on Kemara? Is he likely to step up this year? More of a longer term option?
JOC - do you think he was only signed as insurance for the under performing options or do you think Penney will pick him to start immediately?
The JOC question is probably moot anyway.. given his recent seasons he'll probably be injured more often than not
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@Duluth TBF, wasnt last year Reihanas first super start after not being given much of a chance in the chiefs (read into that what you will) given I think both he and Kemara werent probably set to start too many games last year but for the early injury to Burke.
I think Kemara would be ranked behind Reihana, which highlights the issues the Crusaders have at 10.
He has the skills to be a starting super 10, and I thought his defence had improved massively during last years NPC, and certainly seems a confidence player, of which he was low when he got to NPC, hopefully that wasnt due to the Crusader environment.
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@KiwiMurph said in Crusaders 2025:
@SBW1 Crusaders should be better than last year but not sure they are good enough to win the title - I simply don't believe Penney is a good enough coach for that.
He would be the coaching Lazarus if he managed that.
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@taniwharugby said in Crusaders 2025:
He has the skills to be a starting super 10, and I thought his defence had improved massively during last years NPC, and certainly seems a confidence player, of which he was low when he got to NPC, hopefully that wasnt due to the Crusader environment.
I wonder how he would go at fullback and as a second playmaker? I'm not sure he handles the responsibility of being the general that well. He played 15 a bit early in his career.
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The next captain of the Crusaders could provide a first for the most successful franchise in Super Rugby, with David Havili expected to be confirmed as the side’s new skipper.
Revealed: Crusaders to announce new captain
Scott Barrett's replacement will be announced on Wednesday.
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Well despite Justin Marshall trying to talk up their chances little hope of the Crusaders winning the title with a captain whose form last season was not good enough to make the matchday starting lineup. Rob Penney is another Blackadder level disaster as coach but with a poorer winning record.
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Confirmed Havili is the man.
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@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2025:
I thought Codie Taylor was being named as captain.
As an AB fan I'm pleased he isn't. We don't need Taylor ran into the ground anymore than he has been the past five or so years (not withstanding his sabbatical at the start of last season).
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Havili is the AB's greatest second-five since Mauger, a well deserved appointment this is.
