Super 15: Crusaders - Chiefs in Napier (21-05-2011)

[Darwin]

Wow, you guys are quick

... here's the Crusaders side as per the NZ Herald ... no SBW, Thorn maybe on the bench, Tu Umaga-Marshall on the bench, Brent Ward starting on the wing, Matt Todd injured so not in the team

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10726616

Crusaders:
1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Ben Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Chris Jack, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Richie McCaw (c), 8. Kieran Read, 9. Willi Heinz, 10. Dan Carter, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Brent Ward, 15. Tom Marshall.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn/Joe Wheeler, Jonathan Poff, Steve Alfeld, Matt Berquist, Tu Umaga-Marshall.

Good to see Thorn (almost) back, and it sounds like the injuries to Todd/SBW aren't that serious, and they are being left out more as a precaution than anything else. Got to say that the Crusaders backline certainly doesn't look as intimidating as it did earlier in the season!

I think the Crusaders should have the edge up front (despite Owen Franks being given his turn on the bench). Should be a good battle between Flynn and Elliot at hooker, as they are probably competing with each other for the third hookers spot in the AB's RWC squad. The loose-forward battle will be great to watch as well; particularily looking forward to seeing how young Sam Cane goes against McCaw.

Fruean v Kahui should be good to watch at centre. Fruean had a great start to the season, but has really faded away, while Kahui has improved every week since coming back from injury and was very impressive against the Stormers last week. Masaga v Guildford should also be good to watch (assuming Masaga is fit). Guidford's work-rate and strong positional play stood out last time the two meet (though this was emphasized by Masaga's lower work-rate and poor positional play), so I'm sure Masaga will want to have a strong game this time.

EDIT: Just heard on the radio that Brad Thorn has been passed fit so will take his place on the Crusaders bench, while Masaga has been ruled out for the Chiefs.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Ummm, I think you will find that you have the article from the last time the Chiefs and Crusaders played, as it is dated 13th April....

Chiefs:
1. Sona Taumalolo
2. Hika Elliot
3. Ben Afeaki
4. Craig Clarke
5. Romana Graham
6. Liam Messam
7. Sam Cane
8. Fritz Lee
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Stephen Donald
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Dwayne Sweeney
13. Richard Kahui
14. Lelia Masaga/ Tim Nanai-Williams
15. Mils Muliaina (Captain)

Reserves:
16. Aled de Malmanche
17. Toby Smith
18. Culum Retallick
19. Taiasina Tuifua
20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
21. Tim Nanai-Williams/ Mike Delany
22. Jackson Willison

A couple of changes, with Cane coming into openside flanker and Messem back at 6, and Taumalolo replacing Toby Smith at loosehead. Masaga is bracket with Nanai-Williams, as he took a knock to his leg at training.

Looks like a decent team.

 

[kovana]

This game being played in Hawkes bay region.. Too bad Izzy and Kahn are out...

Will be a huge game for Zac playing in front of his NPC crowd.

 

[BjR]

Big game needed for Kahui and Messam.. hopefully they can find their form again.
GO CHIEFS!

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Ummm, I think you will find that you have the article from the last time the Chiefs and Crusaders played, as it is dated 13th April....

Chiefs:
1. Sona Taumalolo
2. Hika Elliot
3. Ben Afeaki
4. Craig Clarke
5. Romana Graham
6. Liam Messam
7. Sam Cane
8. Fritz Lee
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Stephen Donald
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Dwayne Sweeney
13. Richard Kahui
14. Lelia Masaga/ Tim Nanai-Williams
15. Mils Muliaina (Captain)

Reserves:
16. Aled de Malmanche
17. Toby Smith
18. Culum Retallick
19. Taiasina Tuifua
20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
21. Tim Nanai-Williams/ Mike Delany
22. Jackson Willison

A couple of changes, with Cane coming into openside flanker and Messem back at 6, and Taumalolo replacing Toby Smith at loosehead. Masaga is bracket with Nanai-Williams, as he took a knock to his leg at training.

Weird! I got it from the front page, didn't even think to look at the date... Stupid site.

 

[Darwin]

It looks like the weather is set to be fine. If it is I think the Chiefs game plan may involve getting the ball to Sivivatu as much as possible. Sivivatu has looked dangerous in recent weeks, and I'd imagine that Brent Ward may have difficulty stopping him...

In further injury news: Crusaders reserve hooker Quentin MacDonald has been ruled out after damaging his back in training. He has been replaced by David Hall.

 

[TRF_RC]

Chiefs 9/1 odds to win the game by more than 7? With the crusaders recent form and players constantly dropping out, i don't think an 8 point victory is that big a task!
Come on the Chiefs!

 

[Amobokoboko]

Same here, especially if Messam keeps up his recent form. two gmaes, two tries.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Goo Chiefs

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Oof! Sit down referee!

 

[Amobokoboko]

I don't like the Crusaders

 

[Sneaki]

Interesting to see Carter having a go at a few drop goals! He did miss a couple but I thought all three were actually hit pretty well. Keep practicing those Dan! Might be useful in a few months...

 

[Shaggy]

I don't like the Crusaders

... I don't like the Chiefs ... I had the Crusaders by 13 in my picking comp,and was spot on until that last try ... darn stormers had already ruined my Blues pick

... are well, good news for the Crusaders as they are looking better on the table

 

[Amobokoboko]

Well the better team won, both teams played well, but you kicked better.