Super Rugby: Crusaders - Force in Christchurch (14/07/2012)

[admartian]

I'm with don on this too.

When naming any Canterbury-based side, you almost have to list the brothers first. Then Richie, then Dan etc.

Adam Whitelock is pretty good. He is an undersized flanker but at the same time, none of the Whitelock boys are very big or fast, they're tall but that's about it. Only reason Sam Whitelock is a regular for the All Blacks is he is tall enough to ignore these problems. Locks are not reknowned for being particularly strong, fast, play makers or skillful players.

They're slightly below average Super Rugby players to me. Apart from Sam as for the above reasonings. George is obviously the weak link in what could be the most dangerous loose trio in club rugby, with McCaw and Read. Crusaders need Nasi Manu to play 6 for them.

But then again, how many Islanders actually play for the Crusaders lately?

Edit : Sorry for double post.

Funny you mention that considering the whole "quota" and racist debacle years back.

Not surprising to me in the least.

 

[Rhyer]

I'm with don on this too.

When naming any Canterbury-based side, you almost have to list the brothers first. Then Richie, then Dan etc.

Funny you mention that considering the whole "quota" and racist debacle years back.

Not surprising to me in the least.

I just mean that not many live in Christchurch. It doesn't have a strong community base like Auckland or Wellington. Nothing to do with quota.

 

[admartian]

I just mean that not many live in Christchurch. It doesn't have a strong community base like Auckland or Wellington. Nothing to do with quota.

lol i wasn't insinuating that you meant anything by it. It just popped in my mind as you mentioned it and remember Andy Haden (or whomever) getting interviewed on Deaker about it.

 

[Darwin]

Force: Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Rory Sidey, Napolioni Nalaga, Ben Seymour, Brett Sheehan, Lachlan McCaffrey, Angus Cottrell, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Toby Lynn, Salesi Manu, Nathan Charles, Tetera Faulkner.
Res: Ben Whittaker, Ruan Smith, Pek Cowan, Ollie Atkins, Josh Holmes, Kyle Godwin, Will Tupou.

Looking at the two squads you would expect the Crusaders to win this game very comfortably. They should have an edge in almost every area - it is disappointing that none of the Forces 1st choice loose-trio (Hodgson, Pocock, McCalman) are fit. One match-up I am looking forwards to is out wide between Nalaga and Maitland, as they both have exceptional pace!

 

[TNT88]

Force by 18, Cummins to score 4 tries in the corner. Too easy.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

I noticed the vBookie event was closed. This was due to me forgetting to set the date which then makes it automatically 2 days after it was created. I opened it now so people can put some money on the event up to kick-off time

 

[Pikachu]

I agree with dommcdazzle on the Whitelock issue, he never fails to fail in my eyes. Sure he doesn't make alot of handling errors and he tackles pretty well but there are other areas a winger should be better in, e.g. pace and creativity of which he lacks severely. Luckily he plays for the Crusaders and isn't nearly as visible/exposed as he would be if he was at a poorer side.

Looking forward to the game and looking forward to a Whitelock try.

 

[Darwin]

I agree with dommcdazzle on the Whitelock issue, he never fails to fail in my eyes. Sure he doesn't make alot of handling errors and he tackles pretty well but there are other areas a winger should be better in, e.g. pace and creativity of which he lacks severely. Luckily he plays for the Crusaders and isn't nearly as visible/exposed as he would be if he was at a poorer side.

Looking forward to the game and looking forward to a Whitelock try.

He is not a wing though. He is a primarily a mid-field back that can cover wing. Unfortunately for him, due to the presence of players like SBW, Fruean, Crotty etc the majority of his Super Rugby starts have been on the wing. We will see how he goes today when he is actually played in his preferred position!

 

[Darwin]

Right, game 2 about to kick off. Guildford to score 3 tries - you heard it here first

EDIT: Dagg scores... even though he lost the ball over the line What was the TMO watching???

Dagg thinks it is hilarious...

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Wtf...

 

[Darwin]

Wtf...

Wtf?

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

What the f... Was a very dodgy call.

 

[Darwin]

I hope all those who think Adam Whitelock isn't up to Super Rugby standard are watching this match - he has been very good thus far!

 

[big ginger 8]

Adam Whitelock try.

 

[Darwin]

Adam Whitelock try.

Called back for offside...

Force score again - weak tackle by Ben Franks...

 

[big ginger 8]

Watching with the sound off was just about to edit it.

 

[Darwin]

Crusaders have been very average since McCaw, Carter, and Ellis have gone off.

EDIT: Now Guildford blows a try with a forward pass.... then knocks it on Shocking pass by Maitland now... the Crusaders keep making some pretty basic mistakes in the second half....

 

[Sam91]

Congrats on a great super rugby career sharpie you are an absolute legend

 

[nickdnz]

I hope all those who think Adam Whitelock isn't up to Super Rugby standard are watching this match - he has been very good thus far!

I have been watching and no, I still think he's pants, this match not withstanding. I'd say he looked as dangerous as Guildford though...for what that's worth.

 

[Darwin]

I have been watching and no, I still think he's pants, this match not withstanding. I'd say he looked as dangerous as Guildford though...for what that's worth.

You must have been watching a very different match to me. His distribution was very good, he made a couple of good runs with ball in hand, made a very good kick that almost lead to a try, and his defense was outstanding - on several occasions he saved the Crusaders by making a spot-tackle when the Force had a clear overlap. He may well have earned himself a spot in the starting XV come playoff time (whether at centre or on the wing...).