Darwin
AKA Dingo_Darwin
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wasn't sonny's best work and he was obviously livid with himself for it. But in his defense he has scored two tries in similar situations in recent games, one in that game.
interesting game, It really could have gone either way. I thought overall the chiefs were the better team but their really bad start cost them the match just as much as some poor officiating and an absolute shocker from the TMO
Personally I didn't think the Chiefs were the better team. The Crusaders had an obvious edge up front with Chiefs perhaps having a slight edge in the backs - I thought the final score was a pretty accurate reflection of the match. You are going to have to explain to me what the "absolute shocker" from the TMO was. I assume you are referring to the Ellis try - the commentators and everyone in the media seemed to be adamant that it was not a try, but I haven't heard a single person give a good explanation as to why it wasn't a try. Here is the clip (from about 50 seconds on):
The Ellis is tackled short of the line, and Kerr-Barlow clearly slides in and wraps up the ball to prevent Ellis from releasing the ball. This is definitely a penalty offense, and given Ellis would almost certainly have scored had Kerr-Barlow not done this the ref probably could/should have awarded a penalty try. At worst this should be 'advantage Crusaders'. The next thing that happens in Sam Whitelock comes in and drives Ellis, Kerr-Barlow (and the ball!), over the line. The commentators/media seem to think Ellis should somehow have been penalized for this, but I have no idea what they think he did wrong - he couldn't release the ball as Kerr-Barlow still (illegally) has his arms around the ball. The ball is then clearly grounded over the line: TRY Crusaders. The only thing you could possibly argue is that Sam Whitelock left his feet at the breakdown (but I haven't heard a single person mention this as a reason why the try should have been disallowed), but again the first offense was Kerr-Barlow preventing Ellis from releasing, which is a penalty at the very least, but more realistically should have been a penalty try.
Leonard was good when he came on, but I thought Kerr-Barlow was outstanding again - clearly his time in the AB's camp has improved his game. I'd still take Ellis over him for the AB's, but Kerr-Barlow would be next in line for me behind Smith and Ellis (now that Perenara is out injured).in the end I'm happy with the result, crusaders needed the points, chiefs could spare them but now need to beat the Canes with a bonus point to get overall top spot which goes most of the way to actually deciding the ***le. Stormers seem to have a great deal of trouble scoring a 4 try bonus point but they have the rebels last so by all rights they should. Doesn't seem to matter though yes they win most games but they don't seem to out away the bottom feeders with regularity.
I think Renee has been waiting too late to bring his impact players on. Leonard and Masanga made a big difference and an extra 10min from them I think would have been enough to get the points. barlow has been brilliant but Leonard is also having one of his best seasons ever and deserves more time and even starts.
Masaga should be starting, as he is clearly the best wing in the Chiefs in my opinion. Personally my 1st choice backline would be 9. Kerr-Barlow, 10. Cruden, 11. Nanai-Williams, 12. SBW, 13. Willison, 14. Masaga, 15. Horrell (Leonard, Robinson, and Tikoirotima on the bench). It is probably a little harsh on Tikoirotuma who has been very good this season, and I would seriously consider playing Horrell at centre, Nanai-Williams at fullback, with Tikoirotuma on the wing....
Barlow and Retalick were good, I also thought Horrell was very very impressive, man he is good... Seriously I don't think he would look out of place in an Al Black squad. He just has such great hands and defenders always seem to have problems putting him down and stopping him from offloading but he's not massive. He just seems to hit gaps and keep defenders guessing. And he well and truely kept Robbie Fruen in check on defense.
I thought Messam had a very big game as well. He obviously painted a target on McCaw which was interesting. He Smashed McCaw a number of times I think twice resulting in turnovers and a couple other times McCaw was verrry slow getting up.
I agree, Horrell was again very impressive - he has been an outstanding signing for the Chiefs. He doesn't seem that powerful or elusive, but he always seems to hit the gaps, and always seems to make the correct decision. I wouldn't look at him for the AB's yet - mainly as I'm not sure what his best position is!
Chiefs were better in most areas but the Crusaders had a good advantage in the scrums and a massive advantage in the lineouts. Obviously Clarke was missed big time, I think if the chiefs had just managed an average game at the lineout they would have won fairly easily. They will need to take a serious look at their Scrum and Lineout before the finals though in that area the Crusaders are the benchmark with I think the best tight 5 in the comp and maybe even the best loose forward Trio mostly off the back of Kieran Read being maybe the best player on the planet right now.
Cruden has been a bit rusty lately, missed some kicks he should have got, missed touch on some penalties that have really hurt the chiefs. Playing every minute of every game for the chiefs may be taking it's toll on Cruden. I know Cruden is Renee's golden child. Interestingly he's the only chief to have taken a shot at goal this season. He's been great but to me he looks like he's slowing down, starting to make mistakes. And recently he's crept into the top missed tackle list as the only chief on that list.
overall great game by the players, finals intensity. Pitty the refs could not keep up.
Cruden is playing with an Achilles injury at the moment, which I think is his main issue. He is a bit hesitant about taking on the line at the moment, but is still playing pretty solidly. I'd almost be tempted to give him the week off this week (against the Canes) if I thought that would help him recover quicker, as the Chiefs need him back to 100% for the playoffs.
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