Match thread

@canefan said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@brodean said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

Bulk of the key Canes leaders are gone so tough ask for this team beating the Crusaders away

It worked out for the Blues in 2024 when they played Crusaders away....

We hammered the Chiefs in the last round of 2024. There was no chance of meeting the Crusaders in the finals. Slightly different scenario.

canefan

@brodean said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@canefan said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@brodean said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

Bulk of the key Canes leaders are gone so tough ask for this team beating the Crusaders away

It worked out for the Blues in 2024 when they played Crusaders away....

We hammered the Chiefs in the last round of 2024. There was no chance of meeting the Crusaders in the finals. Slightly different scenario.

yeah, I was being glib. At least we have the luxury of letting injured bodies a week to heal

KiwiMurph

@Canes4life said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

Shite to see Fehi is on the injured list now, joining Lauaki and Jordie with shitty hammys.

Reads to me like players who could play if it was required but why risk it

TheMojoman

Given the team lists, Crusaders by 20+

Bones

Bit stink for Sullivan to be benched for his 50th.

@Bones Not sure why he isn't starting given he has barely played for about 7/8 rounds now. He is higher in the pecking order than Timu and should be playing. Timu to the bench and get 25 mins off the bench.

Bones

Seems Laidlaw likes to be a bit of a dick to a select few players?

Landers92

@Rugbyman said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@Bones Not sure why he isn't starting given he has barely played for about 7/8 rounds now. He is higher in the pecking order than Timu and should be playing. Timu to the bench and get 25 mins off the bench.

Timu is only good for 25mins even if it starts anyway lol

Canes4life

@Rugbyman said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@Bones Not sure why he isn't starting given he has barely played for about 7/8 rounds now. He is higher in the pecking order than Timu and should be playing. Timu to the bench and get 25 mins off the bench.

I'd say Laidlaw's initial intention was not to have Sullivan in the squad at all and was probably looking to save him for the playoffs, however a shoulder injury to Punivai has probably seen Sullivan bumped up to a bench role. I don't think we'll see many minutes from him.

It's crazy how many Hurricanes players have had their 50th caps recently, almost a player a week atm. Shows the maturity of this side.

@Canes4life said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@Rugbyman said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@Bones Not sure why he isn't starting given he has barely played for about 7/8 rounds now. He is higher in the pecking order than Timu and should be playing. Timu to the bench and get 25 mins off the bench.

I'd say Laidlaw's initial intention was not to have Sullivan in the squad at all and was probably looking to save him for the playoffs, however a shoulder injury to Punivai has probably seen Sullivan bumped up to a bench role. I don't think we'll see many minutes from him.

It's crazy how many Hurricanes players have had their 50th caps recently, almost a player a week atm. Shows the maturity of this side.

Yep this crop of players have battled together for a few seasons now and really developed together

Excited to see Cooper Roberts having a go. He's one for the future.

What are the odds of two players named Cooper making their debut in one game on opposing teams?

In 20 years will we have two players named Blacksmith debuting at the same time?

Tim

Blackadder out. Johnny Lee will start on the openside. Oli Mathis comes onto the bench.

Debut for Mathis?

Bones

The fuck was that Reihana?

Bones

Again, I won't blame Nisbo if he confuses Lakai with Rova.

Bones

CLW is a better first five than BB

Duluth

Canes having to make 4 times as many tackle so far

Duluth

Gardiner barely slowed him down

Canes4life

Another shocking kick. A few howlers in this stadium so far.

Canes4life

lol Timu is not Super standard.

KiwiMurph

Rova makes woeful decisions

Shields winding the clock back

Canes4life

Shields is the 6 the ABs need, but is he too old?

Suspect turnover from Fihaki

Canes4life

Lol clear knee on the ground.

Fern fav Havili carving it up .. nice set up

His Bobness

Who’s playing 8 for Canes? Very ordinary defence.

@His-Bobness poliko from Taranaki could be on debut

Bones

Oh man, Newell done now? Let's hope Lomax gets back to form

KiwiMurph

At least it wasnt non-contact. Hopefully just a twist for Newell

Bones

I wouldn't be uncomfortable with Kemara getting the gig in the midweek games in SA.

Hotham having a great game so far!

Bones

Dodgy as fuck try