Highlanders v Crusaders
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@darylmitchell said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
@Chris But key thing is the Crusaders are not just converting wins in games that would've been narrow losses last season, they are rolling teams- look at their points differential
I don't think you can solely point to the injuries in 2024, there's obviously been a huge change to their tactics and shape on attack.
Will Jordan was praising Mooar's impact on the group in an article last week.
No I think it is a combination of a lot of things
Certainly injuries to key players is a major factor in results. -
@george33 said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
@Chris-B think Blues also had up to 15 missing, but only top 6 , and think they will actually get there looking at the games ahead.,
Far from out of it - but, the Canes beating the Brumbies was a bad result for the Blues.
With a top 6 and the most level playing field in a long time, I don't think there will be any soft play-off games. A couple of away from home upsets wouldn't surprise me.
Overall, it looks to me like it could be the Chiefs year, but "there's many a slip between cup and lip".
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@Chris-B said in Highlanders v Crusaders:
@Chris For a good part of the season you could construct a very strong "Missing XV" from injuries and gone from the previous year - have to play Richie at halfback. Would certainly have given what we were fielding a good drubbing.
Brewis, Taylor, Williams
Barrett, Whitelock
Sione Havili, Blackadder, Dunshea
Mo'unga, Burke
Goodhue, Ennor
Faingaánuku, Nanai, JordanThe Canes have had just as many injuries this year and are still in contention so it’s not always just injuries. Every team goes through that.
Interestingly both the Crusaders and Canes really struggled when they had Hohepa at 10 for a long period. I think as long as you have key players in key positions then you can cope.
