Savea to Crusaders?

[IRISH RUGBY MAN]

Apparently Crusaders are offering Julian Savea a contract for the start of the 2014 super rugby season. Good move for Crusaders, but terrible for Hurricanes. Crusaders back line will look a lot stronger with him in it, give them that bit of magic to score tries out of nothing and to score a lot of them. Him, Guildford and Dagg make up a class back three. Hurricanes do have Jane coming back this year and that would ease the pain, but I still think the Canes would need to sign a replacement or elsewhere a big name signing to keep fans happy ( Nonu ) if they do lose out on one of their best players.

 

[Larksea]

Savea is turning out to be a pretty epic winger, not just as a blockbusting runner but technically he's amazing on defense and under the high ball and chasing kicks he really is a genuine all round player.

Any team in the world would be lucky to have him. Would be a massive loss for the canes, alongside Conrad Smith he is their biggest name player.

 

[IRISH RUGBY MAN]

Savea is turning out to be a pretty epic winger, not just as a blockbusting runner but technically he's amazing on defense and under the high ball and chasing kicks he really is a genuine all round player.

Any team in the world would be lucky to have him. Would be a massive loss for the canes, alongside Conrad Smith he is their biggest name player.

He's not just staying out on his wing either, he's coming and looking for work which makes him even more impressive. He's been unlucky not to be scoring a lot of tries as the ball just hasn't come near him at all. From a New Zealand perspective, I'd rather see him stay at the Canes. Guildford and young McNicholl are good wingers. But if by staying at the Canes, would he slow down the progress of Matt Proctor?

 

[nickdnz]

Would be ****** if he left...

The thing is as well, I don't think the Crusaders do wingers all that much justice. At least the Canes usually look to play a running game which allow them to shine - the Crusaders lately just move side to side without creating much space for their outside backs.

Plus Blackadder is totally terrible. Savea could find himself behind Adam Whitelock...

 

[IRISH RUGBY MAN]

Would be ****** if he left...

The thing is as well, I don't think the Crusaders do wingers all that much justice. At least the Canes usually look to play a running game which allow them to shine - the Crusaders lately just move side to side without creating much space for their outside backs.

Plus Blackadder is totally terrible. Savea could find himself behind Adam Whitelock...

If he did this, surely he would either be shot by a resident of the Canterbury area or lose his job. For the all Blacks sake, I hope he doesn't get the job when Hansen goes, he's talked that he would one day like to coach the all blacks.

 

[nickdnz]

[/B]
If he did this, surely he would either be shot by a resident of the Canterbury area or lose his job. For the all Blacks sake, I hope he doesn't get the job when Hansen goes, he's talked that he would one day like to coach the all blacks.

He put Adam Whitelock to start many games over Sean Maitland...

I don't like him at coach of the Crusaders, I'd be gutted if he became coach of the All Blacks unless he changes a lot. The Crusaders couldn't lose a series prior to Blackadder taking over, now they've had 5 years without the ***le - and he's signed for another 3!!! People comment that "well, they haven't not made the playoffs..." I'm sorry but the Crusaders have arguably the best infrastructure in New Zealand rugby - a team which has at least five players that would walk into most world XVs - a recruiting team which is by far and away the best at talent identification. If your coach can't win with all that, after five years, he needs to go. I couldn't believe he got signed for another three years. Seems like jobs for the boys to me.

 

[IRISH RUGBY MAN]

He put Adam Whitelock to start many games over Sean Maitland...

I don't like him at coach of the Crusaders, I'd be gutted if he became coach of the All Blacks unless he changes a lot. The Crusaders couldn't lose a series prior to Blackadder taking over, now they've had 5 years without the ***le - and he's signed for another 3!!! People comment that "well, they haven't not made the playoffs..." I'm sorry but the Crusaders have arguably the best infrastructure in New Zealand rugby - a team which has at least five players that would walk into most world XVs - a recruiting team which is by far and away the best at talent identification. If your coach can't win with all that, after five years, he needs to go. I couldn't believe he got signed for another three years. Seems like jobs for the boys to me.

And that did Maitland the world of good... NOT, he just left. I love the New Zealand teams and the players etc. I love the set up of them and all they players. But over the last couple years, Crusaders have lost that bit of cutting edge, they were probably my favourite team in super rugby 4/5 years ago, but now would definitly be down in 4th out of New Zealand. I think Blackadder has probably changed the game plan and they've lost a bit of the x factor over the last few years, maybe this is why they're trying to get Savea.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Savea isn't just a flat-track bully; he has a very respectable work rate which suits the Crusaders and maybe they'll look to use him coming into the line.. anyway not like he's moving to a bad team and he might actually thrive there and play some SR play-off rugby for once which could only be good for his AB career.

 

[IRISH RUGBY MAN]

Savea isn't just a flat-track bully; he has a very respectable work rate which suits the Crusaders and maybe they'll look to use him coming into the line.. anyway not like he's moving to a bad team and he might actually thrive there and play some SR play-off rugby for once which could only be good for his AB career.

Yes, this is true and if he moves, I hope this is the case. But do you not think him moving to the Crusaders, it will make McNicholls progress a lot slower. He looked quite good at the start of the season until he got injured. Not sure if he's the real deal or not though. Still only 22.

Also, while on the subject of wingers changing clubs in NZ, anyone see Patrick Osbourne moved to the Highlanders. Good move for all parties as Highlanders need wings after losing Poki and Gear and Osbourne wasn't getting much game time. Could be him and Emery on the wings

 

[nickdnz]

Yes, this is true and if he moves, I hope this is the case. But do you not think him moving to the Crusaders, it will make McNicholls progress a lot slower. He looked quite good at the start of the season until he got injured. Not sure if he's the real deal or not though. Still only 22.

Also, while on the subject of wingers changing clubs in NZ, anyone see Patrick Osbourne moved to the Highlanders. Good move for all parties as Highlanders need wings after losing Poki and Gear and Osbourne wasn't getting much game time. Could be him and Emery on the wings

It may effect McNicholl - but he can also play on the right wing.

I don't see Jason Emery moving out of midfield, especially with the loss of both Ellison and Nonu.

 

[IRISH RUGBY MAN]

It may effect McNicholl - but he can also play on the right wing.

I don't see Jason Emery moving out of midfield, especially with the loss of both Ellison and Nonu.

There are more talented wingers in New Zealand then McNicholl I guess.

Not going to be a great back line next year for Highlanders.
9. Aaron Smith 10. Lima Sopoaga 11. Patrick Osbourne 12. Phil Burleigh 13. Jason Emery 14. Buxton Popoali'i 15. Ben Smith

The Smiths need to be big leaders this year

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

There are more talented wingers in New Zealand then McNicholl I guess.

Not going to be a great back line next year for Highlanders.
9. Aaron Smith 10. Lima Sopoaga 11. Patrick Osbourne 12. Phil Burleigh 13. Jason Emery 14. Buxton Popoali'i 15. Ben Smith

The Smiths need to be big leaders this year

Any backline that just lost Colin Slade, Tamati Ellison and Hosea Gear SHOULD suffer. BUT they also got rid of Nonu so I predict the Highlanders to climb 5 places up the log next year

 

[Jaguares]

OMG! It would be a huge loss to Hurricanes

 

[IRISH RUGBY MAN]

With Slade leaving, does anyone expect to see Sopoaga and Parker to step up? I heard the Highlanders were looking for an experienced 10. Chris Noakes?? As a Blues fan, I'd love to see Slade move to the Blues and Noakes to go in the other direction.

 

[ABs2011]

Slade should definately move to the Blues - what's the point in him playing behind DC again? Blues need a 10 - Slade needs a start in a good tea...Perfect fit IMO as Blues will improve further this year one would think.

 

[Larksea]

my understanding is that Slade will be at the crusaders next year to cover Dan Carters sabbatical.

I thought Sean Treeby made some strides this year, both he and Burleigh played better than Nonu when they had chances.

kinda get the feeling that the jamie joseph factor in drawing big names has warn off. Even heard Woodcock is eying a return to the blues.

 

[ABs2011]

my understanding is that Slade will be at the crusaders next year to cover Dan Carters sabbatical.

I thought Sean Treeby made some strides this year, both he and Burleigh played better than Nonu when they had chances.

kinda get the feeling that the jamie joseph factor in drawing big names has warn off. Even heard Woodcock is eying a return to the blues.

Ah yes, I forgot about that. Good point.

 

[sifplay]

Every Kiwi franchise specialize in a different skill set. Hurricanes counter attack from kick returns. Chiefs - developing young Islanders and rucking techinques. Blues Developing young islanders and Crazy Protocol 338j, Crusaders = cheating skills and tricks like using the neck rolls to remove the enemy; charge in, roll around and just keep going, taking defenders out of play, torpedo launching into rucks and shielding McCaw at ruck time from the referee.
Highlanders is a haven for over the hill AB who wants a 2nd chance as well as chirping skills for 9's to create a good image with referees.

 

[William18]

Would be ****** if he left...

The thing is as well, I don't think the Crusaders do wingers all that much justice. At least the Canes usually look to play a running game which allow them to shine - the Crusaders lately just move side to side without creating much space for their outside backs.

Plus Blackadder is totally terrible. Savea could find himself behind Adam Whitelock...

Blackadder>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hammett.

Seriously. Hammett is done. Our forward pack is getting close to the worst in the competition (in terms of as a unit). The defence is terrible (4th worst in the comptition this year). Our only hope was that we had a decent attack but now our biggest star is gone. No one wants to play for us and loyal players are leaving. Imagine what it takes for someone like Savea who loves his family so much to leave Wellington? Then Hammett doesn't even sign up someone like Lee-Lo when we need someone decent at 12 to replace Bateman. Why Barrett decided to stay is almost completely beyond me.

 

[nickdnz]

Blackadder>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hammett.

Seriously. Hammett is done. Our forward pack is getting close to the worst in the competition (in terms of as a unit). The defence is terrible (4th worst in the comptition this year). Our only hope was that we had a decent attack but now our biggest star is gone. No one wants to play for us and loyal players are leaving. Imagine what it takes for someone like Savea who loves his family so much to leave Wellington? Then Hammett doesn't even sign up someone like Lee-Lo when we need someone decent at 12 to replace Bateman. Why Barrett decided to stay is almost completely beyond me.

Well I personally think Hammett is better than Blackadder. I also don't want Bateman replaced and am not losing any sleep over Lee-Lo going.

I'm usually with you, but I just think Hammett isn't that bad. My big criticism is that he made the Canes play more of a kicking game than they ever should have last season, but overall I'm not too disappointed in how Hammett has done. I'd be very suprised if Hammett wouldn't have won a championship with the Crusaders.