Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1)

[jimmyb]

Well it’s been hard to judge the players given they’ve spent most of the time defending. There was a well taken try but the same systematic issues from last season. Attack is too easy to defend (one off runners between the 15m lines), and the defence is too easy to break. Attack in and around the ruck, collapse the defensive line, spin in wide a score.

Disappointed about the maul tries. Defended well initially by Lavanini, Haig, and Stoddard but then it was way to easy to wheel around the score

[Chris]

Good 40 minutes from Johnny Lee,Mathis,Letiu some good young talent there.
Blackadder turned in a very good 20 ,Kemera looking very good nailed all his kicks and looked sharp coming back from a ruptured ACL.
Good work out for the wider squad still 11 of the top 23 players not playing this game.
Crusaders looks a bit weaker in the 2nd half I would expect the landers to come right back in to this game for the 2nd 40

[SouthernMann]

One selection I'm a bit disappointed by in the second half is Whaanga on the wing and Lowe at centre.

If Whaanga is a long term centre play him there in games like this.

[SouthernMann]

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

Good 40 minutes from Johnny Lee,Mathis,Letiu some good young talent there.
Blackadder turned in a very good 20 ,Kemera looking very good nailed all his kicks and looked sharp coming back from a ruptured ACL.
Good work out for the wider squad still 11 too 23 players not playing this game.
Crusaders looks a bit weaker in the 2nd half I would expect the landers to come right back in to this game for the 2nd 40

Yeah for you guys some massive positives arouns guys who will be playing a big role in the season

[SouthernMann]

Like the touches Pasitoa is providing at 10

[jimmyb]

Broughton is just way too small for an 8

[frugby]

Broughton picks up where he left off.

[upthelanders]

Vikena

[frugby]

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

Broughton is just way too small for an 8

He just isn’t up to this level.

[jimmyb]

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

Vikena

That was Taylor

[jimmyb]

Attacking* ruck is noticeably worse in the second half

[Landers92]

Early days. A lot of new guys and combinations out there. It ain’t pretty but no need for doom and gloom just yet.

[frugby]

Jack Taylor had not fared any better

[jimmyb]

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

Jack Taylor had not fared any better

Made it way too easy to pinch. Feeling for the Highlanders jumpers

[jimmyb]

Broughton has had a stinker

[Yeetyaah]

Christ who is this main commentator, talks like he smokes a pack of Dunhills a day. Tongueeetowel.

[jimmyb]

@Landers92 said in Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1):

Early days. A lot of new guys and combinations out there. It ain’t pretty but no need for doom and gloom just yet.

The highlanders have a great squad. The only concern in my opinion is the terrible attack and defence systems are still there

[Yeetyaah]

@Landers92 said in Crusaders v Highlanders (pre-season wk1):

Early days. A lot of new guys and combinations out there. It ain’t pretty but no need for doom and gloom just yet.

Can never put all your stocks into preseason, last year the Landers were undefeated in preseason.

[Grooter]

@Yeetyaah yeah not worried just like sub off Tangitau now wouldn't want him to get injured

[SouthernMann]

Nic Shearer looking sharper than Lennox