Shaggy
First XV
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2010
- Messages
- 3,095
- Country Flag
- Club or Nation
The 2017 Crusaders squad has been named featuring nine new players.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...rs-name-nine-new-players-in-super-rugby-squad
Of interest (for me anyway), is the inclusion of NZ under 20's lock Quinton Strange, who hails from my neck of the woods. He is joined by Tasman Makos team mates, Andrew Makalio! Who is a very mobile hooker, who may put pressure on the likes of Ben Funnell for playing time, Pete Samu, who is returning to the squad, and may see some time in the number six jersey when Keiran Read isn't available (with Jordan Taufua at 8), and Mitchell Hunt, who is listed as a full back, and played there a lot for the Makos this season, but is also a capable 10.
David Havili also returns to the midfield, but may struggle for a starting spot when Ryan Crotty is available, because Seta Tamanivalu has made the shift south, which should boost the back lines ability to breach the advantage line. Add to this the return of Tim Bateman, who is listed as a 10, but probably played most of his rugby at 12 over the years, and the homecoming of Bryn Hall at halfback, and there's the makings of a pretty interesting back line ... And there's Digby Ioane there to hopefully fill the void left by Nemani Nadolo
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...rs-name-nine-new-players-in-super-rugby-squad
Of interest (for me anyway), is the inclusion of NZ under 20's lock Quinton Strange, who hails from my neck of the woods. He is joined by Tasman Makos team mates, Andrew Makalio! Who is a very mobile hooker, who may put pressure on the likes of Ben Funnell for playing time, Pete Samu, who is returning to the squad, and may see some time in the number six jersey when Keiran Read isn't available (with Jordan Taufua at 8), and Mitchell Hunt, who is listed as a full back, and played there a lot for the Makos this season, but is also a capable 10.
David Havili also returns to the midfield, but may struggle for a starting spot when Ryan Crotty is available, because Seta Tamanivalu has made the shift south, which should boost the back lines ability to breach the advantage line. Add to this the return of Tim Bateman, who is listed as a 10, but probably played most of his rugby at 12 over the years, and the homecoming of Bryn Hall at halfback, and there's the makings of a pretty interesting back line ... And there's Digby Ioane there to hopefully fill the void left by Nemani Nadolo
Last edited:
