Crusaders v Highlanders
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@Grooter said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
@Landers92 I get the sense Jamie doesn't rate Henry Bell in the slightest. Tough for the bloke when 1 coach such as Dermondy has faith but the following year you're in the stands
Bell had a fairly charmed life in his first year due to Taylor being 20, and Ricky Jackson essentially being a tackle bag holder.
Taylor is having a fairly strong two steps forward, one step back season. Which is still six to eight steps forward. He is really coming on well.
Vikena has been up and down. The lineout throwing particularly disappointing.
With Bell off contract off af the end of this year, he could be having a tough time of it to keep his spot. Fortunately for him, the Landers are struggling to recruit.
Anyway. On the game. Two players with international experience v 12. Even with a weakened Crusaders side. We will be pushing shit up hill to win this.
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Crusaders team to face the Highlanders:
George Bower
(VC) Codie Taylor
Tamaiti Williams
Scott Barrett
Jamie Hannah
Cullen Grace
Tom Christie
Christian Lio-Willie
Mitch Drummond (150th game)
Rivez Reihana
Macca Springer
(C) David Havili
Braydon Ennor
Sevu Reece
Johnny McNichollImpact
George Bell
Lewis Ponini (debut)
Seb Calder
Quinten Strange
Corey Kellow
Kyle Preston
James O'Connor
Dallas McLeod (50th game) -
Big Tamaiti shifts to the tighthead. I wondered if that might happen. Didn't think either of KSM or Calder was impressive there last week. I presume since KSM has disappeared, he's injured. Can't say I recall Ponini at all. Google says he's been playing in Sydney.
I guess it's Drummie's 150th game, so they've given him the start. Not sure I'm in favour of that sentimentality these days.
Rests for Moananu and Hotham (and presumably Shalfoon). Shuffling in the locks.
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@Chris-B said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
Big Tamaiti shifts to the tighthead. I wondered if that might happen. Didn't think either of KSM or Calder was impressive there last week. I presume since KSM has disappeared, he's injured. Can't say I recall Ponini at all. Google says he's been playing in Sydney.
I guess it's Drummie's 150th game, so they've given him the start. Not sure I'm in favour of that sentimentality these days.
Rests for Moananu and Hotham (and presumably Shalfoon). Shuffling in the locks.
Lewis Ponini played for the Tahs last season.
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@African-Monkey said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
@Chris-B said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
Big Tamaiti shifts to the tighthead. I wondered if that might happen. Didn't think either of KSM or Calder was impressive there last week. I presume since KSM has disappeared, he's injured. Can't say I recall Ponini at all. Google says he's been playing in Sydney.
I guess it's Drummie's 150th game, so they've given him the start. Not sure I'm in favour of that sentimentality these days.
Rests for Moananu and Hotham (and presumably Shalfoon). Shuffling in the locks.
Lewis Ponini played for the Tahs last season.
And is was signed for Harbour to play in the Dunedin competition. Wonder if he will stay in Chch or end up down in Dunedin like planned
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@Landers92 said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
Mitch Dunshea out. Tai Cribb starting. Loft on to the bench.
Not exactly ideal… ffs.
Tai Cribb v Scott Barrett. The match up I have been looking forward to all year
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From our perspective
Want to see Jack Taylor go well against Codie Taylor.
To scrum well.
Have a cohesive lineout.
To defend stoicly.
We won't win. We just need to give it a good go.
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Tavatavanawai didn't come through the gate there
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Good scrum
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Landers were lacking initiative on attack last week.... looks the same this week
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@KiwiMurph said in Crusaders v Highlanders:
How did JRK stuff up the kick that badly
I suggested he was a probable AB selection in the "All Blacks 2025" thread. Curse of the Meldrews and all that.
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Landers looking like lambs to the slaughter at the moment
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Shocker by Springer
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I think all teams outside of Chch are probably glad they are getting a roofed stadium going forward.
