Super 15: Crusaders - Highlanders in Christchurch (01/06/2012)

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Rugby League Park, Christchurch

Referee: Steve Walsh
Assistant Ref 1: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 2: Kane McBride
TMO: Vinny Munro
​

[TABLE="class: grid"]
[TR][TD] Crusaders [/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] Highlanders [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 15 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 14 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 13 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 12 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 11 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 10 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 9 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 8 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 7 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 6 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 5 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 4 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 3 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 2 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 1 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 16 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 17 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 18 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 19 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 20 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 21 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[TR][TD] [/TD][TD] 22 [/TD][TD] [/TD][/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Darwin]

Crusaders named:
1.Wyatt Crockett, 2.Corey Flynn, 3.Ben Franks, 4.Luke Romano, 5.Sam Whitelock, 6.George Whitelock, 7.Richie McCaw (c), 8.Kieran Read, 9.Andy Ellis, 10.Dan Carter, 11.Zac Guildford, 12.Ryan Crotty, 13.Robbie Fruean, 14.Adam Whitelock, 15.Israel Dagg.
Reserves: 16.Quentin MacDonald, 17.Owen Franks, 18.Tom Donnelly, 19.Matt Todd, 20.Willi Heinz, 21.Tom Taylor, 22.Tom Marshall.

Read back, with McCaw moving to 7 and Todd dropping back to the bench. Ben Franks gets the start at tighthead, with Owen taking his turn on the bench. Not surprising to see Carter maintain the 10 jersey after the Crusaders finally broke out of their shell against the Blues with Carter at 10. The only surprise for me in the inclusion of Adam Whitelock on the wing over Sean Maitland. Initially I assumed that Maitland was injured, but I see that he played club rugby last weekend. Adam Whitelock is a solid reliable player, but I have no idea why he would be starting ahead of Maitland (for the second consecutive match).

I'd assume the Highlanders will name their team tomorrow morning. Haskell is back from suspension, which will be a major boost for the Highlanders.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

yeah, what do we think the highlandes will do, Haskell straight back at 6/7 with thompson? or providing the fresh legs and steel as he did in the forst three or four game this year. maybe even at 8 if Nasi still ain't right?

 

[Darwin]

yeah, what do we think the highlandes will do, Haskell straight back at 6/7 with thompson? or providing the fresh legs and steel as he did in the forst three or four game this year. maybe even at 8 if Nasi still ain't right?

Assuming Manu is fit (it sounds like he will be) I'd go with 6. Thomson, 7. Haskell, 8. Manu. I'd switch Crosswell to lock (pairing with Bekhuis), though I suspect Joseph will stick with Hoeata at lock (who is improving each week). Hoping to see Fia start again at tighthead, as I've been very impressed with him in recent weeks.

Smith has to be back starting at halfback, and I would stick with the rest of the backline we had starting last week - if either Poki or Piutau are fit I would put one of them on the bench (instead of Lynn), as I thought Baker had a good match last week on the wing.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I know a week of two ago Blackadder or someone said Maitland was out of form since his injury, and had to play his way back into the team...

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kurt Baker, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh, Hosea Gear, Chris Noakes, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, James Haskell, Adam Thomson, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Nick Crosswell, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Mike Delany, Kade Poki.

pretty much our strongest team, should be Fia over Murray on the bench though, i have never seen muarry do anything! and poki might just be coming back so eased in from the bench?

 

[Darwin]

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kurt Baker, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh, Hosea Gear, Chris Noakes, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, James Haskell, Adam Thomson, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Nick Crosswell, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Mike Delany, Kade Poki.

pretty much our strongest team, should be Fia over Murray on the bench though, i have never seen muarry do anything! and poki might just be coming back so eased in from the bench?

Good team. I would have had Fia over Murray too (I would have even started Fia) - Murray is generally pretty solid, with a good work-rate, but he does have a habit of giving away stupid penalties.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Good team. I would have had Fia over Murray too (I would have even started Fia) - Murray is generally pretty solid, with a good work-rate, but he does have a habit of giving away stupid penalties.

I would say that was generous....personally he plays like he turned up and they just said due to your size and shape you play in the front row. never see him destroying a scrum...or dominating the breakdown...or even with ball in hand...he's a place filler

 

[Darwin]

I would say that was generous....personally he plays like he turned up and they just said due to your size and shape you play in the front row. never see him destroying a scrum...or dominating the breakdown...or even with ball in hand...he's a place filler

I don't think he is quite that bad - he doesn't dominate at scrum time, but certainly holds his own, and is capable of playing on both sides. I am however rather biased though, as I know the guy personally having flatted with him for a couple of months (along with former Blues hooker Tim Dow) quite a few years ago....

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Just let me remove my foot...

 

[Darwin]

Just let me remove my foot...

Haha. He is a really nice guy, though all he ever talks about is pig hunting!

Anyways.... Not long till the game now. Looking forward to watching Ben Smith school Israel Dagg

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Lol, I think a special TRFies category should be created for that exchange.

Is this game on tv?

 

[ret]

Foxsports in Australia Frenchy. I'll be paying special attention to the pig hunter after that exchange. No nonsense South Island clash-can't wait.

 

[austingtir]

Who would of thought the highlanders could have a bench like that a couple of years ago... whats that three former AB's or fringe players?

 

[Darwin]

Pretty clinical try by the Crusaders... this could be a long night for the Highlanders....

 

[austingtir]

Agreed its pretty much must win for both teams though.

 

[austingtir]

LOL Hoeata. The guys great imo.

 

[Darwin]

LOL Hoeata. The guys great imo.

Until he gets himself yellow carded....

Good kick by Noakes

EDIT: Yellow for George Whitelock - fair enough call too..

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Saders down to 13... if the ref wasn't such a wuss.

edit: ref telling McCaw "I need you to be more legal". That's gold.

 

[Darwin]

Saders down to 13... if the ref wasn't such a wuss.

Haha... he had his hand on the yellow card then changed his mind...

Great try for Ellison... pushed off Ben Franks with ease!