[2015 Super Rugby] Crusaders vs.Hurricanes (Round 16) 29/05/2015

[Kiwi_]

Does anyone have a Super Rugby Table Calculator so I can calculate the rest of the rounds and see if 4 New Zealand teams can still make it. In as many ways as possible.

The Brumbies need to lose to the Bulls or the Force without bonus points, then Crusaders beat them.

The Bulls need to lose to the Brumbies, Rebels and/or Cheetahs

The Lions need to lose to the Waratahs or Stormers.




Most hopeful scenario and it's not a very likely one... Bulls beat the Brumbies by 8 and get 4pts, then lose to the Rebels.

Crusaders beat the Blues 4 tries 5pts and Brumbies 8+ 5points to put them on 46.

 

[MotherRucker1]

Anyone else think Luke Romano had a strong game where he showed his powerful running skills of old? I know it was only one match, but if he can keep that up on the tail end of the season heading into the Rugby Championship then that has to be encouraging. Aside from Broadhurst, I would have said Patrick Tuipulotu was our 3rd choice lock going on form. Still don't think Thrush should be counted out. He's shown signs of improvement, despite a quiet campaign, but his international form last year was simply outstanding imo.

 

[Kiwi_]

Anyone else think Luke Romano had a strong game where he showed his powerful running skills of old? I know it was only one match, but if he can keep that up on the tail end of the season heading into the Rugby Championship then that has to be encouraging. Aside from Broadhurst, I would have said Patrick Tuipulotu was our 3rd choice lock going on form. Still don't think Thrush should be counted out. He's shown signs of improvement, despite a quiet campaign, but his international form last year was simply outstanding imo.

Big fan of Romano, had a good game. We have so many quality locks it's not funny.

 

[MotherRucker1]

Reminds me of awhile back when we had heaps of locks too, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Jason Eaton, Robinson, Rawlinson, etc.

 

[Muzzy]

I think it's too early for Skudder, he's good but not amazing YET and he's quite small, he struggled dealing with Nadolo. But with that stepping ability he could go for a gold medal in the sevens then go for the All Blacks

 

[smartcooky]

.. he struggled dealing with Nadolo.

To be fair Muzzy, who doesn't?

 

[austingtir]

I think it's too early for Skudder, he's good but not amazing YET and he's quite small, he struggled dealing with Nadolo. But with that stepping ability he could go for a gold medal in the sevens then go for the All Blacks

I dont think its early at all. Look at this stepping ability and imagine him making holes in defences for the AB's and putting guys away! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2xXS_gDpd4 This guy is the perfect replacement for Rene Ranger as he has a better step. Rene had a bit more power but I reckon this guys step is something special.

Hands down the best stepper in NZ rugby atm.

He's even been solid tactically when kicking seems to get very good distance. Its only defence and highballs I havent got a clue about with him.

Why select Piutau who is just a lesser version of Dagg and Smith when you can have a player with some different skills?

 

[nickdnz]

Skudder for me is a guy I'd like to see get tested in the RC. I think people like to stay very conservative in RWC selections, but by selecting Skudder it's not like we're reinventing the wheel. People talk about Piatau like he's had 20 starts for the All Blacks. In reality he's had a few starts, and mainly a appearances from the bench. Will it actually make a difference if NMS is selected. The Rugby Championship allows us to trial a few guys on replacement of a few of the more iffy selections while allowing some of the injured guys a break - and if they dont shine we swap back.

 

[Kiwi_]

Skudder for me is a guy I'd like to see get tested in the RC. I think people like to stay very conservative in RWC selections, but by selecting Skudder it's not like we're reinventing the wheel. People talk about Piatau like he's had 20 starts for the All Blacks. In reality he's had a few starts, and mainly a appearances from the bench. Will it actually make a difference if NMS is selected. The Rugby Championship allows us to trial a few guys on replacement of a few of the more iffy selections while allowing some of the injured guys a break - and if they dont shine we swap back.

That's what I've endlessly been saying. While Dagg and Piutau who are injured and what have we got to lose in the RC? He's the best FB options after these guys. Also this hoodoo of capping in a WRC year is rubbish, players like Carter, Kronfeld, Muliaina, just off the top of my head have been capped in WC years.

Pick the best, to stay the best.

 

[MotherRucker1]

And how did that work out for us?

Capping in a World Cup year is not a good idea.

 

[Kiwi_]

And how did that work out for us?

Capping in a World Cup year is not a good idea.

That was not the reason for us losing. 1 4th string FB is not going to make us lose.

 

[MotherRucker1]

Excuses.

If we are still injury plagued, then maybe. But if it's avoidable, then avoid it. Because when the pressure was applied last night he didn't shine out as much, and I found that interesting. People are just waging a crusade against Piautau because they don't agree with him leaving. I think he's a better tackle breaker than Dagg, and once he's in that environment how many times do we hear people say "the more I see that kid, the more I like him." He might not have that Skudder-like step, but he might offer more power and size which is handy, and theres nothing wrong with his pace and ability to beat the first defender.

People just have short memories really. Same as those saying drop Thrush. God, does last year count for nothing? He was on fire.

 

[Kiwi_]

Maybe if the game meant more to the Canes they would've played better/"shined", I'm really failing to see the supposed pressure of this game or pressure he was under? I think they played within themselves and weren't focused and the Crusaders were.

Only thing we can do is cap him and see how he goes if Piutau and Dagg are not fit come RC. I'm really not confident with Slade as FB cover, Barrett is a bit better, but we need him at 10 possibly.

Did you watch Skudder with Manawatu last year?

 

[nickdnz]

And how did that work out for us?

Capping in a World Cup year is not a good idea.

Ask Michael Jones, Francois Steyn etc.

 

[MotherRucker1]

Sure did.

I don't buy that. You can't claim credit when you stand out (like Nadolo did for example) in a losing team and point to that as an example of how amazing a player was, but when a player has a quiet game when he's out of his comfort zone, away from home, when a team applies pressure by having one of their best games of the year then say "it didn't mean as much to the Canes." Seems to be like people pick out their favorite players and they become immune to any criticism. Like I said, if there are injuries then sure. But that's just my own view. Don't forget Jane is also an option for fullback, but that would mean chucking someone else on the wing.

Michael Jones? Sorry but that was a different era. We're talking about the professional era here. Also Steyn was capped before 2007.

 

[Kiwi_]

Sure did.

I don't buy that. You can't claim credit when you stand out (like Nadolo did for example) in a losing team and point to that as an example of how amazing a player was, but when a player has a quiet game when he's out of his comfort zone, away from home, when a team applies pressure by having one of their best games of the year then say "it didn't mean as much to the Canes." Seems to be like people pick out their favorite players and they become immune to any criticism. Like I said, if there are injuries then sure. But that's just my own view. Don't forget Jane is also an option for fullback, but that would mean chucking someone else on the wing.

Your judgment of Skudder last night is way off. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/match.cfm?season=2015&competition=205&match=515161

He had some of the best stats in the game. 2nd in meters made, only 2nd to Ardie Savea. Carries made, more than anyone, 2nd defenders beaten more than anyone, because Nadolo had a huge game and is huge in general. NEVER lost the ball. Look at Saveas turn overs conceded.

Canes missed him at FB because Marshall is poor and they missed Jane.

Wrong, wrong wrong about him sorry.

 

[MotherRucker1]

We never saw those blistering runs he's capable of. We saw him have a massive miscommunication from the back which to me puts his defensive ability under massive questions. He was never able to break the line like we usually see him do (note: NO clean breaks). The things we are use to seeing him do, he wasn't able to. Stats only tell part of the story.

Only one wrong here is you mate, and it's laughable. Quick question, are World Cups won by experienced guys? Think England 2003, Springboks 2007 and even the ABs in 2011.

 

[nickdnz]

Not sure why the era is an argument. How can you make an argument about NMS not standing out in one of the two losing game this season, when Dagg has only looked any good during the few Saders blowouts. Piatau was hardly a star for the Blues before injury either. Blanket selection rules really just border on superstition. How many games did Lomu play before 1995? One losing test against France? He wasn't bad for our RWC chances that year. Yes you have your Ben Blair's, Caleb Ralph's and Ben Atiga's in 2003 - but unless these players are ousting really well established internationals there isnt much harm. Even Sam Whitelock only had a few games on the last EOYT in 2010 before being selected in 2011.

The reality is that disrupting a team is not generally ideal before a RWC, but it doesn't mean no new players. You look at some like Guildford who got ***** all game time last RWC. Would it matter if say, Maitland, took his spot? Can we replacing say Piatau is likely to make a shred of difference?

 

[Kiwi_]

We never saw those blistering runs he's capable of. We saw him have a massive miscommunication from the back which to me puts his defensive ability under massive questions. He was never able to break the line like we usually see him do (note: NO clean breaks). The things we are use to seeing him do, he wasn't able to. Stats only tell part of the story.

Only one wrong here is you mate, and it's laughable.

"We"? Mate you're way off, Skudder is good and didn't have that bad of a game at all, you just have it in your head. You fail to recognize the quality he has and what he brought last night to an otherwise flat Hurricanes performance and a whole season of quality in other games, no matter what this kid does you probably won't want him.

Not losing the ball is a tremendous stat regardless of telling a story or not. Especially with that many carries he made. He struggled to deal with Nadolo because he is the biggest back in Rugby. They all struggled to deal with him, Nonu got dealt to.

Seriously mate, it's laughable how much you put this guy down. No wonder these guys go off shore.

 

[MotherRucker1]

Yep and I won't even bother posting what you sent me. You're just a sad, sad little man. I actually feel sorry for you, you're pathetic.

You're just a pile of worthless **** and frankly, you aren't worth the steam off my ****. ****