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2014 Super Rugby: Blues v Crusaders (Round 3)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 626466" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Hard to know exactly what can be read into this match. The Crusaders looked completely in control for the first 30 mins, then the Blues scored a couple of long range tries and completely took over. The Crusaders very un-Crusader like for that 40 minutes period, making numerous unforced errors, and strange tactical decisions (they seemed obsessed with running it out of their own 22 at one stage).</p><p></p><p>I thought Tuipolotu had a storming game for the Blues. It is far too early yet, but he may develop into the powerful ball running lock that the AB's are after (I'm not convinced Romano is the answer). Donnelly had his best game in some time, while Mealamu and Woodcock made a good impact when they came on. The loose-forwards were pretty quiet, but generally did a solid job. Weepu started poorly but looked better as the game went on. I thought Hickey was excellent on debut - he didn't have that much to do but he kicked well at goal, made his tackles, and took the ball well to the line when required. Willison was solid, while Moala added some real punch to the midfield. Halai, Li, and Piutau were all very dangerous - the Blues just need to keep giving them the ball!</p><p></p><p>Hard to identify too many standouts for the Crusaders. Perry was pretty good at LH, while Flynn was solid at hooker (and scored a very good try). Sam Whitelock was excellent as was Read, but the rest of the forward pack was pretty quiet. As I mentioned before Ellis was everywhere,, but made quite a few errors - I wonder whether we will see Heinz start next weekend? Taylor was solid at 10, but struggled to really get the backline firing. Crotty was probably the standout Crusaders player for me. He is rock solid in defense, but his running game has flourished in the last year. Tuitavake was the only Crusaders outside back that was remotely dangerous - he didn't get many chances though. Thomson looked out of his depth at this level - he looked lost under the high ball, and his handling was poor. Perhaps we will see Guildford back next week? Slade was good under the high ball, but his defense was poor, and he made some errors at the back.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 626466, member: 24910"] Hard to know exactly what can be read into this match. The Crusaders looked completely in control for the first 30 mins, then the Blues scored a couple of long range tries and completely took over. The Crusaders very un-Crusader like for that 40 minutes period, making numerous unforced errors, and strange tactical decisions (they seemed obsessed with running it out of their own 22 at one stage). I thought Tuipolotu had a storming game for the Blues. It is far too early yet, but he may develop into the powerful ball running lock that the AB's are after (I'm not convinced Romano is the answer). Donnelly had his best game in some time, while Mealamu and Woodcock made a good impact when they came on. The loose-forwards were pretty quiet, but generally did a solid job. Weepu started poorly but looked better as the game went on. I thought Hickey was excellent on debut - he didn't have that much to do but he kicked well at goal, made his tackles, and took the ball well to the line when required. Willison was solid, while Moala added some real punch to the midfield. Halai, Li, and Piutau were all very dangerous - the Blues just need to keep giving them the ball! Hard to identify too many standouts for the Crusaders. Perry was pretty good at LH, while Flynn was solid at hooker (and scored a very good try). Sam Whitelock was excellent as was Read, but the rest of the forward pack was pretty quiet. As I mentioned before Ellis was everywhere,, but made quite a few errors - I wonder whether we will see Heinz start next weekend? Taylor was solid at 10, but struggled to really get the backline firing. Crotty was probably the standout Crusaders player for me. He is rock solid in defense, but his running game has flourished in the last year. Tuitavake was the only Crusaders outside back that was remotely dangerous - he didn't get many chances though. Thomson looked out of his depth at this level - he looked lost under the high ball, and his handling was poor. Perhaps we will see Guildford back next week? Slade was good under the high ball, but his defense was poor, and he made some errors at the back. [/QUOTE]
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2014 Super Rugby: Blues v Crusaders (Round 3)
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