Crusaders V Bulls

[woodward]

Williams was good, not phenomenal like last game but scored a try from a clean linebreak, very good in defence, nice passing and a good kick. Fruean's defence was very poor, hes clearly not the world class player the bandwagon would have you believe.

 

[d1e1m]

Wonderful game from the Crusaders in a match where the concentrated more on negating the Bulls than scoring tries outright. Except for a couple pens against George Whitelock, the Crusaders forwards were absolutely dominant and the game should've been more even more a crushing for the Crusaders all though to be fair, Olivier just looked an absolute liability for the Bulls. Last year the Bulls could've played this way and won but as the AB's showed in the first TriNations game and the Crusaders showed yesterday, it's not going to win anything anymore.

Jack had a wonderful game but he has the experience against these players, THorn did well too except for that kick he attempted. Fruean had a quiet game on offense but did his work on the defense so there is no reason to say he had a bad game. MOTM for me was Todd, the man has to be an absolute bolter for AB backup loosie with yesterdays showing, never seen someone get through that much work against the Bulls pack (alongside Reado but we already know he's one of the best 8s around) and beat them silly.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Great work by the Saders, the Bulls weren't allowed to play their game.

 

[tgd]

players that changed the game..... lomu, cullen, caucau........ sbw...... being a league supporter i miss him playing for the bulldogs but with league being so conservative in attack, rugby is definately his game....

 

[Mehrtsisagod]

Gutted I missed this game, stuck in the library on a Saturday is not the way to go. What was the Crusaders performance like? SBW go well ooooorrrrrr?

Hope this helps. There was a devastating tackle by Owen Franks but I don't think it's in this clip. Hopefully someone puts it up soon.

Thanks for the link I had the wrong brother listed. My friend kept switching back & forth with the F1 qualifying.

 

[ranger]

Israel Dagg drving through FDP whilst dragging Spies along the ground behind him = Perfection

 

[d1e1m]

http://www.superxv.com/video/super-...it-on-flip-van-der-merwe-video_13e3ca620.html

Thats the bomb OFranks put on FLip vdM and damn, reminds me of what he did to Moore last year at Brumbies match. I would not want to be on the end of his tackles.

 

[Amobokoboko]

That's a mean hit.

 

[Larksea]

spectacular game, Crucaders vs. Bulls is as clsoe as you get to NZ vs. SA with the huge number of Key AB's & Springboks involved and for the crucaders to be oh so dominant without McCaw and Carter really says something.

That Dagg tey was very imopressive and once again showed he can come up with spectacular plays against the best in the world after barging over two frontline springboks to score a try.

Chris Jack surged into AB contention with a very impressive performance all over the park but it was his lineout work that stole the show. I always thought he could be an important figure for the AB's again because he was always a player who stood toe to toe with matfield & botha with a big smile on his face and loved to get under their skin and this game proved he's still got that.

Matt Todd was super impressive to the point where All Black coaches should go from considering him in the 30man squad to "consider" trying him at 7 and McCaw at 6 for the AB's. Seems McCaws Heir apparent has shown himself.

I'm sure all super rugby coaches will look at the crucaders props with envy, so mobile, such great defence and ball skills and yet the scrum is rock solid. Just look at the hurricanes props, fat and slow they dont offer anywhere near as much around the park so you would think at least the scrum would be good but it totally sucks.

Woodcock is another who will really be looking over his sholder again, right now on form I would think he is behind MacIntosh, Ben Franks & Crockett

hate to say it but this crucaders side is not far off a full strength allblack lineup. Prob all I'd do is put Mealamu at 2, kaino at 6, Weepu at 9, Conrad smith at 13 and shift Dagg to 14 to make room for mills.

Though I dont believe for a momment Heny is stupid enough to fall into the "canterblacks" scenario we have seen before. And the coaches are good at picking individuels out of poor performing teams and having them shine for the AB's.

 

[Darwin]

spectacular game, Crucaders vs. Bulls is as clsoe as you get to NZ vs. SA with the huge number of Key AB's & Springboks involved and for the crucaders to be oh so dominant without McCaw and Carter really says something.

That Dagg tey was very imopressive and once again showed he can come up with spectacular plays against the best in the world after barging over two frontline springboks to score a try.

Chris Jack surged into AB contention with a very impressive performance all over the park but it was his lineout work that stole the show. I always thought he could be an important figure for the AB's again because he was always a player who stood toe to toe with matfield & botha with a big smile on his face and loved to get under their skin and this game proved he's still got that.

Matt Todd was super impressive to the point where All Black coaches should go from considering him in the 30man squad to "consider" trying him at 7 and McCaw at 6 for the AB's. Seems McCaws Heir apparent has shown himself.

I'm sure all super rugby coaches will look at the crucaders props with envy, so mobile, such great defence and ball skills and yet the scrum is rock solid. Just look at the hurricanes props, fat and slow they dont offer anywhere near as much around the park so you would think at least the scrum would be good but it totally sucks.

Woodcock is another who will really be looking over his sholder again, right now on form I would think he is behind MacIntosh, Ben Franks & Crockett

hate to say it but this crucaders side is not far off a full strength allblack lineup. Prob all I'd do is put Mealamu at 2, kaino at 6, Weepu at 9, Conrad smith at 13 and shift Dagg to 14 to make room for mills.

Though I dont believe for a momment Heny is stupid enough to fall into the "canterblacks" scenario we have seen before. And the coaches are good at picking individuels out of poor performing teams and having them shine for the AB's.

Jack was very impressive - looked very much an AB lock again. In terms of the RWC locks you would have to assume that Thorn, Whitelock, and Boric are all but certainties, and it looks like it could be a three way race between Jack, Donnelly, and Ali Williams for that 4th spot. Both Donnelly and Ali Williams have had injury problems, and have not really impressed that much when they have been playing this year, indeed Donnelly has even struggled to make the Highlanders starting lineup over the last month or so. Jack's experience would certainly be incredible valuable should he make the RWC squad.

Todd was great again - if the AB's are looking for a specialist open-side flanker to cover McCaw in the RWC squad you would have to think he'd certainly be in front of the other main contenders (Braid, Waldrom) at this stage. Assuming the starting loose-forward trio (Kaino, McCaw, Read) are all certainties for the RWC squad there are only two spots available, with Thomson, Messem, and Todd as the three leading contenders to take these two spots (closely followed by the likes Vito, Dan Braid, and Scott Waldrom). Who they pick will really depend on whether they think they another specialist '7' (in which case Todd will get picked), or whether want another player with a lot of experience at number 8 in the squad (in which case Messem will get picked, which you alluded to in another thread).

Back on topic..... A pretty comprehensive display by the Crusaders - they probably should have scored another couple of tries. The forward-pack was very dominant, and the back-line looked very dangerous despite Carters absence. Guildford has looked incredibly sharp since his return, while I think Dagg had his best game of the year. The Crusaders did well to prevent the Bulls for scoring any points, though this was probably equally due to the Bulls ineptitude with the ball in hand!

 

[d1e1m]

I think what we are seeing now is the fruits of the rebuilding that was done in the squad during 07 and 08, a lot of these younger players like Read, Whitelocks, Franks, Crockett and Todd who began with a dominant ANZ Cup all those years ago. Maybe if the Crusaders had managed to hold onto Williams, the Bulls would only have 2 ***les instead of 3 but its safe to say a new Crusaders era of dominance has begun. This is the result of patience and development that Blackadder and Penny and the franchise has put into making sure that the team will continue to be yearly challengers.

That being said, it's not surprise the Bulls have fallen this far. THe signs were there last season both in the Boks and the Super14 than their stars were on the wane but what can you do in Ludeke's position, drop all your stars from the championship squad to promote youngsters and have fans and journos claiming you're mad? I think at least by blooding youngsters this season they could have guaranteed some competitiveness down the years. As it is, the Stormers and the Sharks are on the rise in SA.

 

[Seaton]

I think what we are seeing now is the fruits of the rebuilding that was done in the squad during 07 and 08, a lot of these younger players like Read, Whitelocks, Franks, Crockett and Todd who began with a dominant ANZ Cup all those years ago. Maybe if the Crusaders had managed to hold onto Williams, the Bulls would only have 2 ***les instead of 3 but its safe to say a new Crusaders era of dominance has begun. This is the result of patience and development that Blackadder and Penny and the franchise has put into making sure that the team will continue to be yearly challengers.

That being said, it's not surprise the Bulls have fallen this far. THe signs were there last season both in the Boks and the Super14 than their stars were on the wane but what can you do in Ludeke's position, drop all your stars from the championship squad to promote youngsters and have fans and journos claiming you're mad? I think at least by blooding youngsters this season they could have guaranteed some competitiveness down the years. As it is, the Stormers and the Sharks are on the rise in SA.

^^^^^^^^
This

Very well put, especially the latter part

 

[Cassie]

All i can say is ouch!

 

[Gena_ZA]

The Bulls, same as the Springboks suffer from the same problem - dementia
It is typical for South Africans to hold onto the past and not facing reality.

What happened in the Tri-Nations last year and end of year tour - no vision to bring in the next generation, no let us fall hard, get fired and move on.
Rinse and repeat for the next bunch. No one will say I am wrong and this how I will repair our current situation. Some sense of self destructive pride is evident.

Bet you you we will soon hear the same old, judge us at the world cup, just to fail, get fired and let he new guys make the same mistakes.
How can Ludeke/De Villiers now suddenly say I accept that my stalwarts are no longer performing, the synergy is gone.

No way, buls!t, they will keep on clinging to what was and what could be and not face reality. Sad but true

.

 

[Cassie]

It was a rugby lesson hopefully learned by the Bulls taught by the Crusaders on Saturday that made me realise how lucky we were not to be 50 points to 0. I don’t see many positives from the Bulls side for that particular game and know that only leadership and hard work will help for the coming games.

<O</O
Yes the Bulls have made some errors concerning coaching holding on to what was and what they know best. To stay positive is one thing but being negative is the versa so hopefully with the technology these days the concerns raised by many won’t fall on death ears. Still don’t think it’s too late to start with your plan B and to get better by making those mistakes. <O</O

 

[nickdnz]

Jack was very impressive - looked very much an AB lock again. In terms of the RWC locks you would have to assume that Thorn, Whitelock, and Boric are all but certainties, and it looks like it could be a three way race between Jack, Donnelly, and Ali Williams for that 4th spot. Both Donnelly and Ali Williams have had injury problems, and have not really impressed that much when they have been playing this year, indeed Donnelly has even struggled to make the Highlanders starting lineup over the last month or so. Jack's experience would certainly be incredible valuable should he make the RWC squad.

Todd was great again - if the AB's are looking for a specialist open-side flanker to cover McCaw in the RWC squad you would have to think he'd certainly be in front of the other main contenders (Braid, Waldrom) at this stage. Assuming the starting loose-forward trio (Kaino, McCaw, Read) are all certainties for the RWC squad there are only two spots available, with Thomson, Messem, and Todd as the three leading contenders to take these two spots (closely followed by the likes Vito, Dan Braid, and Scott Waldrom). Who they pick will really depend on whether they think they another specialist '7' (in which case Todd will get picked), or whether want another player with a lot of experience at number 8 in the squad (in which case Messem will get picked, which you alluded to in another thread).

Back on topic..... A pretty comprehensive display by the Crusaders - they probably should have scored another couple of tries. The forward-pack was very dominant, and the back-line looked very dangerous despite Carters absence. Guildford has looked incredibly sharp since his return, while I think Dagg had his best game of the year. The Crusaders did well to prevent the Bulls for scoring any points, though this was probably equally due to the Bulls ineptitude with the ball in hand!

It's great to see Chris Jack get back. I think he really just needed time in a performing team in order for him to show what he can do. I personally would have him, Thorn and Whitelock all in the RWC squad, with Boric and Williams fighting for the other two. I guess he's lucky Sam Whitelock got injured though, and I can't quite work out why he returned to the Crusaders, who even when he returned had Thorn, Whitelock and Ross all as possilble contenders for an AB jersey. He should have gone for the Chiefs, Highlanders or Hurricanes instead, as they could all use a big, solid, grunt type lock.

I'm still not convinced with Todd at openside. He is easily the form 7 of the competition so far, but I think throwing him in a Rugby World Cup squad after one season, never ends well. I'd feel safer going for Scott Waldrom or more likely Dan Braid. Dan Braid was probably the form openside in the tornement last year, and he has almost a decade of experience. I think or the future, Todd is the answer to replace McCaw, but I'd rather not throw him in the RWC too early.

 

[Gena_ZA]

Couple of weeks ago a commentator said: "When there is a tackle, there is a Todd" it stuck with me and know I watch him more closely.
Expect huge things from him in the years to come

 

[Aedaphon]

I think some of the comments on the Crusaders are a bit premature, while they definitely seem to be on the rise with an umatchable squad I wouldn't go on about their dominance until they win at least one Super 15 tournament. Otherwise you really are asking for your words to come back and bite you...

I'd say a lot of the comments on the Bulls ring true though, they really are an aging side without much young blood coming through and this really does not bode well for the RWC. Hopefully they'll salvage something from the season but the Sharks and the Stormers will almost certainly dominate South African rugby for the next few years.

 

[d1e1m]

It was a rugby lesson hopefully learned by the Bulls taught by the Crusaders on Saturday that made me realise how lucky we were not to be 50 points to 0. I don't see many positives from the Bulls side for that particular game and know that only leadership and hard work will help for the coming games.

<O</O
Yes the Bulls have made some errors concerning coaching holding on to what was and what they know best. To stay positive is one thing but being negative is the versa so hopefully with the technology these days the concerns raised by many won't fall on death ears. Still don't think it's too late to start with your plan B and to get better by making those mistakes. <O</O

See you me, I feel a great deal of pity for Ludeke is his position cause he knew this would happen but what other choice does he have and Peter Dev is in a similar position. I don't think they have a chance of winning the RWC because their stalwarts aren't getting any younger and their form isn't improving. It reminds me of French soccer and their worship of Les Anciens, the team that won in 98 and how any time the national team lost, questions were asked of the coach as to why they weren't considering bring back one of those squad members. Really, they're between a rock and a hard place.

to Nickdnz: I think Jack joined the Crusaders not just for familiarity but because he knew if any franchise had the setup to get him back into Test form, it is the Crusaders. It's the same reason SBW joined up. If you want to get better at something and the 7times champions, and perennial challengers with weaker squads than others, offer you a chance to train, I'd jump on it even with less pay knowing these guys will put me in the frame for test rugby. Plus I haven't really seen Boric in a vein of form where I'd certainly pick him and for Ali, I think this RWC is beyond him which is very sad in many ways.

to Bad Gena: I think its more apt to say "Where there's contact, there is a Todd." If was no surprise for me when he got that first turnover after doing the hard chase and hitting that ruck right behind turboboots Maitland. I think to not at least take Todd as starter against the lesser teams would be not good in preparing for post McCaw era. He made the transition from club to provincial easily enough and his Super Rugby transition has been just immense, a bit like when Read came into the side with regularity in 08. And at least with Todd, you have one of the highest work rates and tackle counts in Super Rugby that rivals his test-grade colleagues. He's already shown he can front against some of the biggest teams in the Tahs, Sharks and now the Bulls and put in MOTM-grade performances.

Aedaphon - We know its wrong and premature to crown this Crusaders team as champions-elect but damn is it hard not to with some of these performances against top Super Rugby sides that make their opponents look downright amateur and all of that without their legendary captain and one of the best 10s the game has ever produced. Yes I know we lost at the Blues but I wasn't surprised at that, it just didn't look like the system was clicking yet and if anything it seems that they're relying too much on SBW for that Xfactor.

 

[Darwin]

It's great to see Chris Jack get back. I think he really just needed time in a performing team in order for him to show what he can do. I personally would have him, Thorn and Whitelock all in the RWC squad, with Boric and Williams fighting for the other two. I guess he's lucky Sam Whitelock got injured though, and I can't quite work out why he returned to the Crusaders, who even when he returned had Thorn, Whitelock and Ross all as possilble contenders for an AB jersey. He should have gone for the Chiefs, Highlanders or Hurricanes instead, as they could all use a big, solid, grunt type lock.

I'm still not convinced with Todd at openside. He is easily the form 7 of the competition so far, but I think throwing him in a Rugby World Cup squad after one season, never ends well. I'd feel safer going for Scott Waldrom or more likely Dan Braid. Dan Braid was probably the form openside in the tornement last year, and he has almost a decade of experience. I think or the future, Todd is the answer to replace McCaw, but I'd rather not throw him in the RWC too early.

I've heard this sort of sentiment a lot, but I'm not necessarily convinced of this. For example the likes of Kronfeld and Mehrtens made there AB debuts in 1995, after only a season or so of provincial rugby, and turned out to be stars of the RWC tournament, along with one Jonah Lomu (who had only played a couple of tests the year before). Likewise in 1987 Michael Jones made his debut and turned out to be one of the stars of the tournament. I'm not neccesarily saying that Todd should be picked, just that lack of Super Rugby / All Blacks experience should not necessarily rule a player out of RWC contention.