@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?

@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....

Nearly worked for the Tahs in 2002!

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

Debut for Mathis?

The fuck was that Reihana?

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

CLW is a better first five than BB

Canes having to make 4 times as many tackle so far

Gardiner barely slowed him down

@Duluth said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

Gardiner barely slowed him down

I know which one I want as AB blindside...

@Bones said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

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

Hope not, Lakai is in Wellington.

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

@Canes4life said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

. A few howlers in this stadium so far.

Was thinking the same thing....

lol Timu is not Super standard.

Rova makes woeful decisions

Shields winding the clock back

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

Suspect turnover from Fihaki

Lol clear knee on the ground.

Fern fav Havili carving it up .. nice set up

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

@Canes4life said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

@Bones said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

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

Hope not, Lakai is in Wellington.

Yeah, but Nisbo

@His-Bobness poliko from Taranaki could be on debut

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

@Steven-Harris Debut and Swansong combined?

@Bones said in Crusaders vs Hurricanes:

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

He’s scrumming well.

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

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

Hotham having a great game so far!

Dodgy as fuck try

As expected, the midfield starting their first game together + debut winger having a rough time making their reads.

Crusaders taking advantage of the 16th man yet again

Filimone has been dreadful. Not sure he's super rugby level. Nice story though.

Flanders with a horrendous miss

Crusaders clinic at the moment.....

Awesome pass from JM to CLW

So Sullivan sitting on the bench in his 50th....

He's a handy 13 Laidlaw....

Harkin looking every bit the test footballer out there.