Crusaders 2016 and 2017
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<p>Yup signed to Ta$man for 3 seasons. Pretty sure he only signed to the Crusaders for this season so he may need a massive Mitre 10 cup to get another contract.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="601843" data-time="1469926602">
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<p>Yup signed to Ta$man for 3 seasons. Pretty sure he only signed to the Crusaders for this season <strong>so he may need a massive Mitre 10 cup to get another contract.</strong></p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="601841" data-time="1469926361">
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<p>Pretty sure it's us. Hometown boy.</p>
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<p>You know you'll be cheering him on in a Chiefs jersey next year.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="601846" data-time="1469927817">
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<p>You know you'll be cheering him on in a Chiefs jersey next year.</p>
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<p>You guys already have too many midgets. :)</p> -
<p>Yes Digby Ione played at 13 in 2009 I think and did really well there.</p>
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<p>history has shown that most players dont head south of the equator and retain/regain any sort of form they had in the NH or prior to leaving, there are always exceptions, so who knows if Digby will be the star signing he needs to be.</p>
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<p>I think Macilai has gone backwards a long way since being with the Crusaders, even after his first season he came back to ITM Cup looking short of pace, possibly a few kg heavier, didnt look fat, just bigger (too many weights, not enough speed work or something?) and was very average for us last year and has been hot and cold when had his chances this season.</p> -
He's only had two seasons at the Crusaders and the first was an injury write off. He's certainly never shown his electric 2014 NPC form in Super Rugby thus far, aside from the occasional glimpse. Maybe the Crusaders have stunted his growth. But maybe also he's just not up to it. Another season will tell the story but the jury is out at this stage.
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<p>wasnt implying they had stunted his play, more that he hasnt kicked on like I expected he would in the environment.</p>
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<p>He may not be up to it, but he needs to 1) get some regular and consistent chances and 2) actually do something with them..he has the skillset to make it, whether he has the right mindset to do so remains to be seen.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="601901" data-time="1469952739"><p>
wasnt implying they had stunted his play, more that he hasnt kicked on like I expected he would in the environment.<br><br>
He may not be up to it, but he needs to 1) get some regular and consistent chances and 2) actually do something with them..he has the skillset to make it, whether he has the right mindset to do so remains to be seen.</p></blockquote>
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No dramas, but I'm saying it's actually a possibility that his growth has been stunted. I really don't think the Crusaders post 2011 has been an environment conducive to growth among outside backs. Those that have flourished have done so more through good luck than good management. I mean Nadolo was a wild punt that came good, to be fair. And he's not a winger who needs to be put away like many others, so doesn't suffer obviously through lack of opportunity like a finisher would. Historically when Crusaders wingers have looked good they've been on the end of a backline which included a quality, stable midfield. And we haven't really had that since 2011 when, surprise surprise, Guildford and Maitland looked good and scored plenty of classic wingers tries. We have one element in Crotty but need to find a good partner for him and bed the combination in whether it's with him at 12 or 13. Then if Macilai gets games we'll see what he's made of. -
<p>The main thing with Macilai is confidence. When he's feeling confident he's very very good, but when he's down on confidence he can be very average. There was some talk up North that when his head wasn't in the right place 'injuries' would pop up.</p>
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<p>I think his injury ravaged season last year put him back a fair way. If he has a coach that will leave him in the starting lineup and give him a run of games he will come right. This coming NPC for Northland will be very important. The reason the Crusaders have re-signed him is that he is a guy that can genuinely make something out of nothing. He has some very good basics for a coach to work with - just need to keep his lid right.</p>
