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Super Rugby play-offs: Chiefs - Crusaders in Hamilton (28/07/2012)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 518277" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>A big blow for the Crusaders again - hopefully he will be back for the final if the Crusaders make it that far. I can't imagine there will be many changes in the Crusaders team - they may well pick the same 22 that ran out against the Bulls. It is possible that Ben Franks may be included in the starting lineup in place of Crockett, but personally I'd stick with Crockett starting. The only other change that the may consider is the inclusion of Maitland in the starting lineup - either as a straight swap for Adam Whitelock, or for Fruean, with Whitelock moving to centre. Though it would seem a bit strange dropping Fruean, I think it is a genuine possibility. Fruean has been very quiet over the later half of the season, and while he was solid enough on defense against the Bulls, he wasn't really tested much (and will surely be more severely tested by the Chiefs).</p><p></p><p>The strange thing about the Chiefs is that despite having such an impressive season it is really hard to identify what their top XV is. This is probably due to the fact they have so many players performing this season, meaning competition for spots is very intense. I'd expect Tameifuna to start at 3, but there are tight calls at LH prop and hooker. I'd go for Schwalger and Smith, but we could well see Elliot and/or Taumalolo starting. I think the bench prop is going to be important - if Ben Afeaki is fit I'd have him on the bench. The Chiefs scrum was under huge pressure from the Hurricanes scrum when Tameifuna went off against them (meaning Smith moved to TH prop) - if the scrum got hammered by the Canes imagine what the Crusaders scrum will do to them! Though Afeaki isn't as much of an impact player as either Smith or Taumalolo, I don't think the Chiefs can afford to have a weak scrum against the Crusaders. If the starting LH prop has to go off one of Afeaki or Tameifuna would have to pack on the LH side - while neither has that much experience there, I'd be more confident with one of those two at LH rather than Smith at TH....</p><p></p><p>The locks and 2/3 loose-forwards pick themselves, with the only selection issue being who will start at 7. Though Latimer has had a very good year (and Cane is good at making an impact from the bench) I'd be inclined to start Cane at 7, as I think they will really need the extra physicality that he brings against a Crusaders side that was incredibly physical against the Bulls. 9, 10 and 12 pick themselves, and I'd stick with Willison at 13, though there is the possibility of picking Horrell there. There are plenty of options in the outside backs - personally I'd go 11. Nanai-Williams, 14. Masaga, 15. Horrell, but Tikoirotuma and/or Robinson may be given the nod.</p><p></p><p>Can't wait for this match, should be a cracker!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 518277, member: 24910"] A big blow for the Crusaders again - hopefully he will be back for the final if the Crusaders make it that far. I can't imagine there will be many changes in the Crusaders team - they may well pick the same 22 that ran out against the Bulls. It is possible that Ben Franks may be included in the starting lineup in place of Crockett, but personally I'd stick with Crockett starting. The only other change that the may consider is the inclusion of Maitland in the starting lineup - either as a straight swap for Adam Whitelock, or for Fruean, with Whitelock moving to centre. Though it would seem a bit strange dropping Fruean, I think it is a genuine possibility. Fruean has been very quiet over the later half of the season, and while he was solid enough on defense against the Bulls, he wasn't really tested much (and will surely be more severely tested by the Chiefs). The strange thing about the Chiefs is that despite having such an impressive season it is really hard to identify what their top XV is. This is probably due to the fact they have so many players performing this season, meaning competition for spots is very intense. I'd expect Tameifuna to start at 3, but there are tight calls at LH prop and hooker. I'd go for Schwalger and Smith, but we could well see Elliot and/or Taumalolo starting. I think the bench prop is going to be important - if Ben Afeaki is fit I'd have him on the bench. The Chiefs scrum was under huge pressure from the Hurricanes scrum when Tameifuna went off against them (meaning Smith moved to TH prop) - if the scrum got hammered by the Canes imagine what the Crusaders scrum will do to them! Though Afeaki isn't as much of an impact player as either Smith or Taumalolo, I don't think the Chiefs can afford to have a weak scrum against the Crusaders. If the starting LH prop has to go off one of Afeaki or Tameifuna would have to pack on the LH side - while neither has that much experience there, I'd be more confident with one of those two at LH rather than Smith at TH.... The locks and 2/3 loose-forwards pick themselves, with the only selection issue being who will start at 7. Though Latimer has had a very good year (and Cane is good at making an impact from the bench) I'd be inclined to start Cane at 7, as I think they will really need the extra physicality that he brings against a Crusaders side that was incredibly physical against the Bulls. 9, 10 and 12 pick themselves, and I'd stick with Willison at 13, though there is the possibility of picking Horrell there. There are plenty of options in the outside backs - personally I'd go 11. Nanai-Williams, 14. Masaga, 15. Horrell, but Tikoirotuma and/or Robinson may be given the nod. Can't wait for this match, should be a cracker! [/QUOTE]
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Super Rugby play-offs: Chiefs - Crusaders in Hamilton (28/07/2012)
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