Super Rugby: Crusaders vs. Highlanders in Christchurch (20/04/2013)

[TRF_Ezequiel]

AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Referee: Garratt Williamson

Assistant Referees: Chris Pollock

& Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri

TMO: Glenn Newman

The Highlanders will once again be looking for their first win this season. The Otago-based franchise acquired some big names in the off-season in Tony Woodcock, Brad Thorn and Ma'a Nonu but it has not brought them anything yet. With only 6 points (4 for the bye and 2 losing bonus points) they are already out of the play-off race and seem destined for the wooden spoon in 2013. The Crusaders however, are only 1 point behind the Cheetahs, who are currently in 6th place on the overall log. It's all to play for, for them. After losing to the Force last week and the Sharks the week before, they will be looking to get back in the race. It's been a whole month since their backline has scored a try. Can they get firing again back at home?

Some stats:
The Highlanders can become the second team in Super Rugby history to end the season winless. They still have 8 games to try and avoid that.

In their only 2 games at home, the Crusaders have scored a total of 96 points, including 13 tries.

The closest the Highlanders have come to winning an away game this season, was in Auckland, when the deficit was "just" 11 points.


History in Christchurch:
2012: Crusaders 51-18 Highlanders
2011: Crusaders 18-26 Highlanders
2010: Crusaders 32-17 Highlanders
2008: Crusaders 14-26 Highlanders
2006: Crusaders 38-15 Highlanders
2004: Crusaders 46-29 Highlanders
2002: Crusaders 30-28 Highlanders
2000: Crusaders 42-36 Highlanders
1998: Crusaders 40-24 Highlanders
1996: Crusaders 27-29 Highlanders

The Highlanders have won 3 times in Christchurch, but between 1998 and 2006, the Crusaders won 5 consecutive meetings at home.

Other matches this weekend:

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...urricanes-vs-Force-in-Wellington-(19-04-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...gby-Waratahs-vs-Chiefs-in-Sydney-(19-04-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...gby-Reds-vs-Brumbies-in-Brisbane-(20-04-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...gby-Sharks-vs-Cheetahs-in-Durban-(20-04-2013)

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/...Kings-vs-Bulls-in-Port-Elizabeth-(20-04-2013)


BYE

 

[Darwin]

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (c), Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Adam Whitelock.

The strongest side the Crusaders can put on the park at the moment. I'm sure Tom Taylor will be back in the starting lineup next weekend (assuming Carter isn't back by then). Guildford had an improved performance off the bench last weekend, so it will be interesting to see how he goes this weekend (knowing my luck he will carve up the Highlanders....).


Highlanders: Ben Smith, Tony Ensor, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, TJ Ioane, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Andrew Hore (captain), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, Jamie Mackintosh, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaka Tanaka, Colin Slade, Jake Paringatai

The Highlanders injuries continue, with Tuiali'i now ruled out for 5 weeks with a foot injury. Even with the injuries I'm not overly happy with the Highlanders forwards pack. Woodcock comes back, but to be honest I would have stuck with MackIntosh (eve though I don't rate him...). TJ Ioane replaces Tuiali'i at 8, with Hoeata shifting to 6 and Bekhuis coming into lock. When will Jospeh learn that Hoeata is stupid choice at 6 given the Highlanders game-plan? I'm not at all convinced with Ioane at 8 either - personally I would have started Dixon there (as at least he is a number 8!). The Highlanders have 5 forwards on the reserve bench, which is an interesting option (a poor one in my opinion, as Paringatai is a complete waste of space).

I'm actually pretty happy with the Highlanders backline though - indeed it is the backline I would have picked given the options available (I would have been happy is Tanaka was given another start at halfback too). Parker certainly deserves another start, while Emery deserves to be back in the 13 jersey too. Tony Ensor gets his debut on the right wing, and it will be interesting to see how he goes. Personally I don't think he is ready for this level yet - he needs to bulk up a bit, work on his defense and cut down his error rate, but he certainly has some outstanding attributes with ball in hand. He is very quick, has a great step, and good short kicking game (as well as a big punt when required), and seems to have a great eye for the gap. He is very much a confidence player - if he has a few things go his way early on the Crusaders better watch out (conversely if he makes a few errors we are in big trouble, as he had a couple of absolute shockers for Otago last season). I'm not sure how he will go on the wing (as he is usually a fullback), but at least Guildford (in current form) is far from the most threatening wing in the country...

 

[Kiwiwomble]

pretty much agree with you darwin, Paringatai should be shipped off to where ever he came from, what is wrong with giveing some of the young otago or southland guys a run?

i would have Dixon at 8 and TJ at 6, even you have to admit TJ has played his heart out in the last couple of games, more than most have done. i have no idea why we have changed the forward pack that completely dominated auckland, whopper and coltman shold be starting

question, what happened to Trent Renata, as happy as i am Ensor is getting a shot, why have we been paying this kid a full salary only to never see him, its like kurt baker all over again, does Joesph higher these guys on rep and then when he sees them go off them or something, i dont get it

also, ensor (unless he's spent alot of time in the gym) is too small for the wing and I have a really bad feeling he's going to get embarressed

 

[Darwin]

pretty much agree with you darwin, Paringatai should be shipped off to where ever he came from, what is wrong with giveing some of the young otago or southland guys a run?

i would have Dixon at 8 and TJ at 6, even you have to admit TJ has played his heart out in the last couple of games, more than most have done. i have no idea why we have changed the forward pack that completely dominated auckland, whopper and coltman shold be starting

question, what happened to Trent Renata, as happy as i am Ensor is getting a shot, why have we been paying this kid a full salary only to never see him, its like kurt baker all over again, does Joesph higher these guys on rep and then when he sees them go off them or something, i dont get it

also, ensor (unless he's spent alot of time in the gym) is too small for the wing and I have a really bad feeling he's going to get embarressed

Yep Ioane played very well last weekend. He played better in that match than I saw him play in any game for Otago last season. I still don't think having him to 20 'hit-ups' in midfield every match is productive game-plan, but at least he is catching the ball at the moment Though I remain un-convinced about him I think he deserves a spot in the starting lineup at the moment (though at 6, not at 8). I really enjoyed his physical defense last weekend too.

I understand Renata is still with the squad. The problem is he is a fullback who can also play 10 - therefore there really isn't any place available for him in the Highlanders 22 with Smith as the number 1 fullback, and Slade capable of covering the same positions. Even though Ensor is primarily a fullback too he is a much better wing option than Renata (who I don't imagine has ever played on the wing, and would lack the pace for the position).

I'm not too worried about Ensor's size against the Crusaders, as Guildford is probably one of the least physical wings in the competition. If Ensor is forced to tackle the likes of Fruean or even Dagg it could be a bit of an issue though!

 

[bobbilycious]

Personally, I think Taufua at 8 would make it the strongest team currently available, for the Crusaders. Particularly as I believe we currently need a strong ball carrier or two in the pack.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I'm looking forward to seeing Ensor play, I rate him very highly.

Highlanders have been incredibly unlucky with injuries this year...

 

[Darwin]

Personally, I think Taufua at 8 would make it the strongest team currently available, for the Crusaders. Particularly as I believe we currently need a strong ball carrier or two in the pack.

I would have liked to have seen him starting too, but Luke Whitelock has done a reasonable job in recent weeks. Taufua could be very effective coming off the bench with 30 mins to go against a tiring Highlanders pack....

 

[Ruckyou]

i cant see the highlanders winning this game. Crusaders are in must win situation if they are to make the play offs and at home im assuming 13+. Now what has gone wrong for the highlanders? fingers seem to be pointing at Jaime Joesph few seasons ago he was being praised for his efforts. IMO Adam Thompson has left a massive void in this team not even Brad Thorn has been able to fill and also the inclusion of Nonu (is it just a coniscidence when he leaves a team, they play better?)

 

[Kiwiwomble]

I thought Renata had a sevens background so would have thought hr would have enough pace for the wing

Yep Ioane played very well last weekend. He played better in that match than I saw him play in any game for Otago last season. I still don't think having him to 20 'hit-ups' in midfield every match is productive game-plan, but at least he is catching the ballthe moment Though I remain un-convinced about him I think he deserves a spot in the starting lineup at the moment (though at 6, not at 8). I really enjoyed his physical defense last weekend too.

I understand Renata is still with the squad. The problem is he is a fullback who can also play 10 - therefore there really isn't any place available for him in the Highlanders 22 with Smith as the number 1 fullback, and Slade capable of covering the same positions. Even though Ensor is primarily a fullback too he is a much better wing option than Renata (who I don't imagine has ever played on the wing, and would lack the pace for the position).

I'm not too worried about Ensor's size against the Crusaders, as Guildford is probably one of the least physical wings in the competition. If Ensor is forced to tackle the likes of Fruean or even Dagg it could be a bit of an issue though!

 

[Darwin]

I thought Renata had a sevens background so would have thought hr would have enough pace for the wing

I don't recall Renata playing any 7's. Perhaps you have him mixed up with Declan O'Donnell who was in the squad originally before being ruled out with injury (and being replaced by Renata)?

Right, onto the match. I'm confident of a win this match. For the Crusaders. The mighty Crusaders whom I loyally support every season*.
I honestly find it hard to see the Highlanders winning this match, though my prediction skills this season have been pretty poor! It would be just like us to start knocking over the top NZ sides once our season is over (in terms of making the playoffs).

I see the Crusaders as having an advantage in the tight-forwards. On paper it should be close up front, but Hore and Woodcock have really under-performed this season. The Crusaders loose-trio isn't as intimidating as he can be, but I think they have a clear advantage there too. Even though I'm a Highlanders supporter I'm looking forward to Taufua coming on with 20 mins to go, as I love watching him with ball in hand (TJ Ioane could be almost as effective for us if he was taught where he should be running...). In terms of Ioane I hope he is running a bit closer to the breakdown this weekend. He usually runs straight at the opposition 12, but if he could run at Bleyendaal (or even better the channel between Bleyendaal and Ellis) he could make a lot of metres this match.

There are some good battles in the halves. Aaron Smith made a promising cameo off the bench last weekend - hopefully he can build on that. The key for him is to ignore what the coaches have told him and just play his natural game - no more standing around trying to be a playmaker, just pass the ball out to the backline (or forward runners). Ellis has been a bit quiet for the Crusaders and will want a big game too with Heinz in impressive form. Bleyendaal versus Parker is interesting - they probably know each other pretty well as they were the two 10's in the NZ Under 20 side in 2010. Bleyendaal probably hasn't developed as much as many would have hoped (he looked a superstar at U20's level), but has been pretty solid this season. Parker made a very promising starting debut last weekend (after a very good season for Otago last year). Despite his lack of size is not afraid of taking the ball to the line, and his goal-kicking is top class.

I'm looking forward to the Nonu/Emery midfield combo, as Nonu looked much better last weekend. Crotty has been very good for the Crusaders, but Fruean has been very quiet this season - hopefully this isn't the game he explodes. I'm hoping Gear gets fired up this match after a poor performance last weekend - Tom Marshall has been great with ball in hand, but his defense is still suspect at time against bigger players. Ensor vs Guildford will be intriguing, while I'm looking forward to the match-up between the number 1 and 2 fullbacks in the country (and I think we all know which of these two is number 1 ).

I'm picking the Crusaders to be too good here, and win by around 15 points. I do hope my prediction skills fail me yet again though



*Once the Highlanders inevitably get knocked out

 

[austingtir]

Pretty weird decision by the ref there! The ball was clearly out yet penalty to crusaders.

 

[Darwin]

Pretty weird decision by the ref there! The ball was clearly out yet penalty to crusaders.

Yep, a pretty poor call there.

Crusaders completely on top thus far, though Franks is in the sin-bin after punching Hoeata at least twice (the most surprising thing was that Hoeata didn't respond...).

EDIT: Great bit of play there by Aaron Smith

EDIT 2: Crusaders so close again... How long can the Highlanders hold on?

EDIT 3: Guildford drops another try scoring chance....

 

[Tekadus7]

The Crusaders strike on halftime. 16.0
Highlanders will play with the wind in the second 40.

 

[Darwin]

ZZZZzzzzzzzzz......

Crusaders have spent almost the whole match running side to side inside the Highlanders 22. The Highlanders defense has been good, but the Crusaders haven't exactly been threatening with ball in hand. The Highlanders lineout has been shocking, and the scrum not much better (conceding a tight-head to a 7-man scrum is embarrassing).

Hard to identify many standout players. Romano and Sam Whitelock has probably been the pick of the Crusaders for me, while Nonu has been good on defense for the Highlanders. Ensor has been a bit shaky on debut - missing a first-up tackle on Bleyendaal, and getting driven back the few times he has had ball in hand.

I'm hoping for a better quality second half, but I wouldn't bet on it....

 

[Patchey]

Highlanders need to come up with a solution that doesn't involved trying to take it through the forwards constantly. They're not passing the gain line and are tiring themselves out, losing momentum and getting turned over. They have arguable some of the best backs in the NZ conference and they're not using them nearly enough, probably a sign of how lacking in confidence they are. Its been mentioned that the 'Saders loosies aren't as intimidating as they once were but Todd is getting through some work and the Highlanders don't seem to have an answer.

That said Aaron Smith has played well, having Tanaka give him some competition for the starting jersey seems to have upped his game.

Moment of the match so far? Seven man Crusaders scrum shunting the Highlands off their own ball. Sums up how mentally shaky the Highlanders are right now.


Here goes the second half...

 

[Darwin]

Try Emery. Much better play by the Highlanders. Great pass by Aaron Smith!

 

[Patchey]

Super try. Both Smiths did a lot of work towards that, I'm beginning believe that Ben Smith could play anywhere in the backline...

 

[Darwin]

Ensor can't tackle to save himself. Luckily Ben Smith can tackle

 

[Tekadus7]

Ben Smith is CLASS

 

[Patchey]

That was something special