Read's continued absence is becoming a bit of a concern. Obviously they are being very cautious with him (which is great!), but I know from experience concussions can take a very long time to sort themselves out.....
Dagg hasn't been in great form, but I do think the Crusaders will miss him. He hasn't offered a lot with ball in hand but his positional sense is superb, as his ability under the high ball - two things I feel Taylor struggles with when he is used at fullback. Given the Sharks are probably going to do a lot of kicking Taylor will probably be severely tested. The Crusaders may actually be better dropping Slade back to fullback at times on defense, as Slade's fullback skills are far better than Taylor's in my opinion. Some teams like to hide their 10 at fullback on defense - this would be effectively the same except they would be hiding their fullback at 10 on defense (if that makes any sense....). The rest of the Crusaders side largely picks itself, though I see Heinz and Ellis have played swapsies at halfback again.
The Sharks are still missing a quality 10 which could be a massive factor in this match. Steyn has some good attributes - most notably a booming boot - but he doesn't have the slightest bit of subtlety about his game. The loose-forward make-up is interesting this week with Mtembu getting a start at 6 and Alberts at 8 (rather than lock). I do like the Sharks midfield an outside backs, but fear they won't see much quality ball with Steyn at 10....
I think the Crusaders should be too good this match - I'm picking them by 10-15.
