Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1)

[Canes4life]

@SouthernMann said in Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1):

Landers have named their sides for the clash on Friday arvo.

Few points

• Only two players with the ABs or ABXV are playing.

• Pasitoa is an interesting proposition at 10. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up spending a fair bit of time in the jersey or as the back up 10.

• Like the look of that midfield and outside back combo for the first half.

https://thehighlanders.co.nz/news/highlanders-announce-squad-for-first-hit-out-of-2026/

That back three for the first half is electric.

[Bovidae]

I don't see the full list of reserves listed.

[Chris]

A lot of the main squad and ABs not playing the WTG and academy boys getting a run.

[cgrant]

I would have liked to see Xavier Treacy with the 6 jersey. His future lays there, not at lock where he is a bit too short. I like his workrate and nous.

[game_film]

Didn’t know they’d signed Lavanini. Decent locks with him and Dutchboy.

[Chris]

@cgrant said in Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1):

I would have liked to see Xavier Treacy with the 6 jersey. His future lays there, not at lock where he is a bit too short. I like his workrate and nous.

He will end up at 6 at 1.96m a good size for a 6.
The thinking I hear is he will take Blackadders spot in the squad when Blackadder goes to Japan maybe 2027 or definitely 2028.

[frugby]

Not that it actually matters but who are we expecting to win this?

[booboo]

Usually the team that does worse in the regular season.

[Kiwiwomble]

@booboo 100%

[handa457]

Is there a livestream anywhere?

[jimmyb]

Quite liking the white and blue

[jimmyb]

@handa457 said in Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1):

Is there a livestream anywhere?

Crusaders YouTube channel is streaming it live

[Tim]

[Kiwiwomble]

@jimmyb said in Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1):

Quite liking the white and blue

looks sick...proper rugby jersey vibes

[jimmyb]

Hmmm that maul stopped a fair few times

[handa457]

Vikenna playing himself out of a 23 early in the season I see. Those botched lineouts are a coach killer.

[frugby]

Good to see Vikena has sharpened up on his lineout throwing

[Landers92]

Terrible option Kemara. Had us on the ropes there

[jimmyb]

Poor communication there by Stoddard and Casey

[WoodysRFC]

Was always concerned Mathis would be too small at seven, but he looks pretty bloody big out there, playing great too.