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2014 Super Rugby: Highlanders v Crusaders (Round 15)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 644872" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Massive game for both sides. I can't wait (but due to my inability to manipulate time I have little option but to wait). The Highlanders have had a strong season so far, but there has always been this nagging suspicion that they won't be able to keep it up, and their position on the table has been inflated somewhat by having all of their easy games at the start of the season. A win over the Crusaders here would go some what to dispel those doubts (though the matches don't really get any easier). In contrast the Crusaders started very slowly, but looked to be hitting top form before last weeks pathetic display against the Sharks.</p><p></p><p>Overall not a bad Highlanders side. It is good to see Sopoaga back, but Parker did a fine job in his absence (as I suspected he would <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />), and it was nice to have a 10 that could make the odd tackle! Disappointing to see Coltman out, but Robinson will do a good job, as will Anderson Heather if he gets a chance off the bench. I would still prefer to see Franklin starting rather than Hoeata, but at least he is now on the bench (it only took two injuries...), and likewise I would prefer Evans over Dixon at 6. It is good to see Treeby back at 12, and Osbourne back on the wing. I'm always nervous about our defense with Osbourne on the wing, but he bring a whole new dimension to our backline with his size, pace, power, and offloading ability. I'm happy with the 4/3 split on the bench, but agree entirely with Jabby that either Emery or Baker would be a far better bench option than Burleigh....</p><p></p><p>A whole new front row for the Crusaders. It is a slight risk, but the Highlanders don't have a very destructive scrum, and it should send a message to Crockett, Flynn, and Franks that they need to lift their games. The rest of the side is very strong - I think the backline will function a lot better with Dagg back this week.</p><p></p><p>I think the Crusaders should start this game as clear favourites. The Highlanders usually struggle to beat the Crusaders, and I feel it will take a massive effort to reverse this trend, as the Crusaders look to have the edge in most areas. I'm picking the Crusaders by about 10, but am hoping some Ben Smith magic will help the Highlanders pull off the upset....</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 644872, member: 24910"] Massive game for both sides. I can't wait (but due to my inability to manipulate time I have little option but to wait). The Highlanders have had a strong season so far, but there has always been this nagging suspicion that they won't be able to keep it up, and their position on the table has been inflated somewhat by having all of their easy games at the start of the season. A win over the Crusaders here would go some what to dispel those doubts (though the matches don't really get any easier). In contrast the Crusaders started very slowly, but looked to be hitting top form before last weeks pathetic display against the Sharks. Overall not a bad Highlanders side. It is good to see Sopoaga back, but Parker did a fine job in his absence (as I suspected he would :)), and it was nice to have a 10 that could make the odd tackle! Disappointing to see Coltman out, but Robinson will do a good job, as will Anderson Heather if he gets a chance off the bench. I would still prefer to see Franklin starting rather than Hoeata, but at least he is now on the bench (it only took two injuries...), and likewise I would prefer Evans over Dixon at 6. It is good to see Treeby back at 12, and Osbourne back on the wing. I'm always nervous about our defense with Osbourne on the wing, but he bring a whole new dimension to our backline with his size, pace, power, and offloading ability. I'm happy with the 4/3 split on the bench, but agree entirely with Jabby that either Emery or Baker would be a far better bench option than Burleigh.... A whole new front row for the Crusaders. It is a slight risk, but the Highlanders don't have a very destructive scrum, and it should send a message to Crockett, Flynn, and Franks that they need to lift their games. The rest of the side is very strong - I think the backline will function a lot better with Dagg back this week. I think the Crusaders should start this game as clear favourites. The Highlanders usually struggle to beat the Crusaders, and I feel it will take a massive effort to reverse this trend, as the Crusaders look to have the edge in most areas. I'm picking the Crusaders by about 10, but am hoping some Ben Smith magic will help the Highlanders pull off the upset.... [/QUOTE]
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2014 Super Rugby: Highlanders v Crusaders (Round 15)
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