QF - Lions v Crusaders

[gt12]

On All Black watch, not much to report - none have said, fuck, I'm an AB, I'll stand up and make an effort except for Whitelock and a few efforts by Read (he's also conceded two penalties).<br><br>
Luke fatass Romano is clearly trying to get himself out of the 4N squad with a shocking missed first up tackle (5 points) and a YC from a maul (another 7). To his credit, he has run well after his 10 minute break, but still too high to actually make any ground.

[Chris B.]

<p>Couldn't have hoped for a worse start! Romano outstanding in that regard.  :)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lions looking hungrier than us - we're going to have to have to hope they run out of gas, because it's hard to see our bench winning it for us.</p>

[ACT Crusader]

Haha the Lions pack angle in as a whole and Crockett is penalised. <br><br>
Romano and Macalai liabilities. <br><br>
Taufua has lost his punch. <br><br>
Richie started to get more involved ball in hand which is better to see. <br><br>
Lions rush defence good, we need to be a little smarter with the ball.

[antipodean]

<p>Some patience is all they need. When they mounted some pressure they got a try. The difficulty will be fixing their defence. They're not taking guys to ground and that's when they're not falling off tackles.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Romano isn't bending the line on his carries either. If someone ran on his shoulder and he popped a pass, they'd probably waltz through.</p>

[Bones]

Thought Crockett has gone ok - that tackle on Skosan was legendary.

[Tordah]

<p>that was a bs penalty against Taufua</p>

[gt12]

Taufua having a good game too. Penalized to start the half

[antipodean]

<p>Seriously Joubert.</p>

[gt12]

Seriously???

[Chris B.]

<p>How many times is de Klerk allowed to knock the ball down, before he gets penalized - let alone carded?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That's four now.</p>

[ACT Crusader]

This is better. Just be patient and the gaps will appear. <br><br>
Good offloading and support play.

[Tordah]

<p>De Klerk seems to have made that his tactic ever sine the Boks vs Ireland game when he basically won them the game like that. Joubert not having his best outing, though he's been consistently mediocre since about 2015.</p>

[gt12]

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="599467" data-time="1469288071"><p>How many times is de Klerk allowed to knock the ball down, before he gets penalized - let alone carded?<br><br>
That's four now.</p></blockquote>
<br>
So long as he doesn't swim around a maul, then he's fucking gone!

[broughie]

<p>Think the commentators are right.  If the Lions go into their shell this will let the Crusaders back in it.</p>

[ACT Crusader]

Unlucky Dagg. Good chase. Lions don't want to play with the ball. We need to make them pay

[gt12]

That back pass was a mile forward?

[gt12]

Another one now

[Mick Gold Coast QLD]

<p>Lions drop goal - ouch!</p>

[gt12]

Forward passes are ok now? There was at least 2 in the lead up to that play?<br><br>
Lions get a penalty advantage and take 3 (great fucking drop pie) and Saders are back in the shit.

[KiwiMurph]

That Van Rensburg is a beast.