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2014 Super Rugby: Crusaders v Chiefs (Round 2)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 624081" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>I wonder what trouble Zachy boy has got himself into now? I know he is not everyone's favourite player, but I find it hard to believe his non-selection is purely down to pre-season form (especially as Blackadder has always talked up what Guildford beings to the team). Guildford wasn't even involved in the last Crusaders pre-season game (instead playing for the Crusaders B side, the Knights) which was perhaps an indication something was up.</p><p></p><p>Anyways, some interesting selections from both sides. Not sure why you would rest players the first week of the season - they should be as rested as they will ever be! Perry is a bit of a downgrade from Crockett, but Crockett has struggled with Tameifuna in the past so it may not be a bad selection. Slightly surprised Romano isn't starting over Bird given the Crusaders are lacking ball runners in the pack. Bleyendaal gets the first shot in the 10 jersey, and I'm sure he will do a solid job, though I'm sure Crusaders supporters would be more happy with Tom Taylor in the starting lineup taking the kicks at goal (not the Bleyendaal is a poor goal-kicker, just that Taylor is exceptional). Lee-Lo gives the Crusaders a strong ball running option in the midfield, while I actually think Tuitavake will be good for the Crusaders backline as he has a very good side-step (which is something most of the Crusaders backs don't have).</p><p></p><p>The Chiefs lineup looks a bit depleted, but they still have plenty of quality. I'm a bit uncertain about the height disparity in the front-row - MackIntosh is very tall for a prop, while Tameifuna is pretty short. Front-rows can work with different sized props, but in general I think it is easier with props that are similar size (which is something the Chiefs could have if they paired Manu & Tameifuna or MackIntosh & Afeaki. Kolomatangi gets a big chance - I'm sure he will do a solid job, but it is a big ask player your first Super Rugby match against Richie McCaw! Pulu is an interesting choice at halfback, though he was electric at times for the Chiefs last season. The Chiefs have a big strong midfield, and plenty of quality and experience out wide (though it will be interesting to see how Muliaina goes after a couple of seasons away from Super Rugby).</p><p></p><p>Overall I'm picking it to be a close match, but I think the Crusaders will start the season with a win (for a change). I'm picking them by 5-10 points.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 624081, member: 24910"] I wonder what trouble Zachy boy has got himself into now? I know he is not everyone's favourite player, but I find it hard to believe his non-selection is purely down to pre-season form (especially as Blackadder has always talked up what Guildford beings to the team). Guildford wasn't even involved in the last Crusaders pre-season game (instead playing for the Crusaders B side, the Knights) which was perhaps an indication something was up. Anyways, some interesting selections from both sides. Not sure why you would rest players the first week of the season - they should be as rested as they will ever be! Perry is a bit of a downgrade from Crockett, but Crockett has struggled with Tameifuna in the past so it may not be a bad selection. Slightly surprised Romano isn't starting over Bird given the Crusaders are lacking ball runners in the pack. Bleyendaal gets the first shot in the 10 jersey, and I'm sure he will do a solid job, though I'm sure Crusaders supporters would be more happy with Tom Taylor in the starting lineup taking the kicks at goal (not the Bleyendaal is a poor goal-kicker, just that Taylor is exceptional). Lee-Lo gives the Crusaders a strong ball running option in the midfield, while I actually think Tuitavake will be good for the Crusaders backline as he has a very good side-step (which is something most of the Crusaders backs don't have). The Chiefs lineup looks a bit depleted, but they still have plenty of quality. I'm a bit uncertain about the height disparity in the front-row - MackIntosh is very tall for a prop, while Tameifuna is pretty short. Front-rows can work with different sized props, but in general I think it is easier with props that are similar size (which is something the Chiefs could have if they paired Manu & Tameifuna or MackIntosh & Afeaki. Kolomatangi gets a big chance - I'm sure he will do a solid job, but it is a big ask player your first Super Rugby match against Richie McCaw! Pulu is an interesting choice at halfback, though he was electric at times for the Chiefs last season. The Chiefs have a big strong midfield, and plenty of quality and experience out wide (though it will be interesting to see how Muliaina goes after a couple of seasons away from Super Rugby). Overall I'm picking it to be a close match, but I think the Crusaders will start the season with a win (for a change). I'm picking them by 5-10 points. [/QUOTE]
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2014 Super Rugby: Crusaders v Chiefs (Round 2)
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