Crusaders squad 2021
Overall, this seems like a strong Super rugby Crusaders squad.
Particularly pleased with the propping group. It doesn't quite have the same strength in depth as the Blues (with four current test props), but a starting front row of Moody, Taylor and Alaalatoa should hold up well against them. Bower and Jager (who finally started to look the part in the few bits I saw of him in M10 Cup) a decent bench, and a nod to the future with some strong young contenders in Tu'ungafasi, Newell and Williams. In fact, the Canterbury front row was one of the few consistently impressive parts of their NPC team.
No change in the hookers. Would be nice if Codie Taylor comes back in better form. Makalio a strong option off the bench and McAlister should be developing nicely for the future.
If the Blues are edging us in the propping department, we should do the same to them in the second row. Whitelock and Barrett a starting All Black combination, Strange and Dunshea on the AB fringes and Romano a powerful and experienced 5th option. Razor talked him up as a potential onfield coach.
The loose forwards aren't quite as impressive on paper - lots of potential, not so much delivery. In fact, it's hard to say what the top combination will be. I suspect that Razor might start with Grace, Christie, Sanders (a tyro All Black and the other two started for the South Island), but there's very little between Christie and Sione Havili (Player of the Year for the national champions). Ethan Blackadder has had terrible luck with injuries, but has been a dominant figure at NPC level, despite that he's not a big 6/8. On form, Whetu Douglas might be shuffled down the pecking order and have to bide his time. We might also see Dunshea play in the loosies at some point.
No change in the halfbacks. The old firm of Hall and Drummond, with Enari as the promising youngster. I'd like to see Enari step his game up significantly this year if he's to be the way of the future.
No change among the first fives either. Remains a significant point of weakness if Mo'unga gets injured. However, Fergus Burke has probably improved and Brett Cameron even had a couple of decent games for Canterbury when the heat was on at the end. Started to look like a decent NPC first five.
Midfield also seems a bit thin with Ennor injured and apparently gone for the season. I'd be inclined to pair Havili and Goodhue, which is potentially more dangerous than Goodhue-Ennor, with Jack at 13. Burke, McLeod and Fainga'anuku behind these guys are more promising than inspiring of confidence. I'd rather have had Fetuli Paea as a back up centre.
Outside backs are absolutely laden with firepower. I think we'll start with Big Leicester, Sevu Reece and Will Jordan - but, with Bridge, Mataele, Fihaki and Punavai in the wings and Havili also around to play fullback.
XXIII for game 1:
Moody, Taylor, Alaalatoa, Whitelock, Barrett, Grace, Christie, Sanders, Hall, Mo'unga, Fainga'anuku, D. Havili, Goodhue, Reece, Jordan
Makalio, Bower, Jager, Strange, S. Havili, Drummond, Burke, Fihaki
@Bovidae Only guy I really thought might make it was Anton Segner, but even that would have been a bit of a project selection.
I'd listed other guys who might be worth looking at above, but didn't really expect any of them to be going to the Crusaders. Sam Matenga might have been an outside shot.
The bulk of the Crusaders will form in Christchurch on January 11, before their All Blacks join them in the second week of February.
They kickoff Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Highlanders in Dunedin on February 26, and will be without centre Braydon Ennor (knee) for the entire campaign.
Wings George Bridge and Manasa Mataele will miss half the season. Robertson is soon expected to announce injury cover.
I have quoted the paragraphs about Robertson in another thread.
@Chris-B said in 2021 Crusaders:
At a quick glance, I think Alaalatoa and Scott Barrett are the only players from provincial teams outside Canterbury and Tasman?
Jack Goodhue (Northland)
Bryn Hall (North Harbour)
George Bower (Otago)
@Crazy-Horse I think Douglas may get the role that some of the other koro have in SR squads: the experienced mentor without much game time.
@Chris-B You think Robertson will drop Bridge? Or will he still be recovering from his injury come the start of the comp?
@Gunner said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Chris-B You think Robertson will drop Bridge? Or will he still be recovering from his injury come the start of the comp?
Sorry, quoting myself is easier than re-posting:
@Stargazer said in 2021 Crusaders:
They kickoff Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Highlanders in Dunedin on February 26, and will be without centre Braydon Ennor (knee) for the entire campaign. Wings George Bridge and Manasa Mataele will miss half the season. Robertson is soon expected to announce injury cover.
@Chris-B said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Bovidae Only guy I really thought might make it was Anton Segner, but even that would have been a bit of a project selection.
I'd listed other guys who might be worth looking at above, but didn't really expect any of them to be going to the Crusaders. Sam Matenga might have been an outside shot.
I was thinking about the Tasman props in particular, including Coxon, compared to the greenhorn Cantabs.
@Chris-B segner will be in the squad as cover until Blackadder is fit. Apparently he’s in chch till at least April. Hopefully get in some club games in chch. Josh McKay is cover as well apparently
@Bovidae said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Chris-B said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Bovidae Only guy I really thought might make it was Anton Segner, but even that would have been a bit of a project selection.
I'd listed other guys who might be worth looking at above, but didn't really expect any of them to be going to the Crusaders. Sam Matenga might have been an outside shot.
I was thinking about the Tasman props in particular, including Coxon, compared to the greenhorn Cantabs.
Coxon was a Chief last year, wasn't he - though probably came in late?
Tasman props went OK, but our scrum was under pressure against most of the big teams (not Wellington, though). I'm not sure how much Coxon, Salmon or Princep can lift their ceilings. Matenga was the guy who impressed me most - but, he's also a greenhorn.
I'll probably attract flak if I point out that we've got three props spread across the various squads. 
@Bovidae said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Chris-B said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Bovidae Only guy I really thought might make it was Anton Segner, but even that would have been a bit of a project selection.
I'd listed other guys who might be worth looking at above, but didn't really expect any of them to be going to the Crusaders. Sam Matenga might have been an outside shot.
I was thinking about the Tasman props in particular, including Coxon, compared to the greenhorn Cantabs.
Nah I think its was a great move picking Willams and Newell according to some experts these are the Brest 2 props to come through the NZ system for some time they just need some development time.
@Chris-B said in 2021 Crusaders:
Overall, this seems like a strong Super rugby Crusaders squad.
Particularly pleased with the propping group. It doesn't quite have the same strength in depth as the Blues (with four current test props), but a starting front row of Moody, Taylor and Alaalatoa should hold up well against them. Bower and Jager (who finally started to look the part in the few bits I saw of him in M10 Cup) a decent bench, and a nod to the future with some strong young contenders in Tu'ungafasi, Newell and Williams. In fact, the Canterbury front row was one of the few consistently impressive parts of their NPC team.
No change in the hookers. Would be nice if Codie Taylor comes back in better form. Makalio a strong option off the bench and McAlister should be developing nicely for the future.
If the Blues are edging us in the propping department, we should do the same to them in the second row. Whitelock and Barrett a starting All Black combination, Strange and Dunshea on the AB fringes and Romano a powerful and experienced 5th option. Razor talked him up as a potential onfield coach.
The loose forwards aren't quite as impressive on paper - lots of potential, not so much delivery. In fact, it's hard to say what the top combination will be. I suspect that Razor might start with Grace, Christie, Sanders (a tyro All Black and the other two started for the South Island), but there's very little between Christie and Sione Havili (Player of the Year for the national champions). Ethan Blackadder has had terrible luck with injuries, but has been a dominant figure at NPC level, despite that he's not a big 6/8. On form, Whetu Douglas might be shuffled down the pecking order and have to bide his time. We might also see Dunshea play in the loosies at some point.
No change in the halfbacks. The old firm of Hall and Drummond, with Enari as the promising youngster. I'd like to see Enari step his game up significantly this year if he's to be the way of the future.
No change among the first fives either. Remains a significant point of weakness if Mo'unga gets injured. However, Fergus Burke has probably improved and Brett Cameron even had a couple of decent games for Canterbury when the heat was on at the end. Started to look like a decent NPC first five.
Midfield also seems a bit thin with Ennor injured and apparently gone for the season. I'd be inclined to pair Havili and Goodhue, which is potentially more dangerous than Goodhue-Ennor, with Jack at 13. Burke, McLeod and Fainga'anuku behind these guys are more promising than inspiring of confidence. I'd rather have had Fetuli Paea as a back up centre.
Outside backs are absolutely laden with firepower. I think we'll start with Big Leicester, Sevu Reece and Will Jordan - but, with Bridge, Mataele, Fihaki and Punavai in the wings and Havili also around to play fullback.
XXIII for game 1: Moody, Taylor, Alaalatoa, Whitelock, Barrett, Grace, Christie, Sanders, Hall, Mo'unga, Fainga'anuku, D. Havili, Goodhue, Reece, Jordan
Makalio, Bower, Jager, Strange, S. Havili, Drummond, Burke, Fihaki
Punivai likely to get some game time at centre as that is his real position.
@cgrant said in 2021 Crusaders:
Renton was very good for Tasman during the last rounds of the M10 Cup. He could have been useful in a rather "meh" loosies' squad.
I think you under rate the LFs a little bit
Grace and Blackadder carry and hit hard
Havilli is the same for a 7
Sanders free of injuries last season went up a couple of levels he performed very well and stood up in the North v South match .
A lot more in that group than people give them credit for.
@Chris Yup agreed. They lack a big name in there even though Grace is well on his way to becoming one, but it's a solid workmanlike backrow with Christie, Grace and Sanders/Douglas.
Fuck me, 255kg. I could do 25.5 ...
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300176870/super-rugby-the-rookie-crusaders-prop-who-can-squat-255kg
.. Better make it 2.55kg, to be on the safe side!
@Machpants It won't be a Super Rugby rookie record, but that's very impressive.
I hope the Super Rugby franchises will release some numbers again, late preseason. It, obviously, doesn't necessarily translate to good performances on the field, but I always like seeing player's personal bests, just to get an idea who's the fastest, strongest ...
@Stargazer now now, you'll be asking for timely injury updates, and accurate squad lists soon. You can just stop that modern fan engagement shit right now!
@Machpants exactly, the fans role is to buy over priced merchandise, turn up on game day, cheer loudly and pay for over priced unappetising food.....they have no right to know anything about the team they support.
I wonder if Grace is seen as the future 8 option, and it'll be Sanders and Blackadder battling it out for the blindside spot.
The loosies and props are a little 'meh' on paper at the moment, but several of those guys may only be one good season away from stepping up and then all of a sudden the 2022 squad looks stellar.
Don't know where else to post this, but this is pretty cool.
Codie Taylor is currently on a 12-hour Exercycle bike ride in his hotel room to raise money for KidsCanNZ. I don't know who the Komihana guy is who is joining him for the ride (maybe a friend), but you can follow their efforts via YouTube. He's answering all sorts of questions from people who are watching. Shannon Frizell is also on the Exercycle, but I've no idea whether he's also going for the 12 hours.
It's called 12 on the 12th, because it's their 12th day in isolation.
Edit: Frizell just anwered my question: he's biking for a few hours, then takes a rest, and then joins him again. Apparently other players will join, too, for some time.
@taniwharugby rubbish I think, just Brit premiership head blowing smoke. Where the fuck are they going to fit it with their disgusting 10 month season?
@taniwharugby said in 2021 Crusaders:
@Machpants Christmas Day rugby!
Haha not with 'must be home for Xmas' kiwi players they won't!
@Stargazer said in 2021 Crusaders:
Don't know where else to post this, but this is pretty cool.
Codie Taylor is currently on a 12-hour Exercycle bike ride in his hotel room to raise money for KidsCanNZ. I don't know who the Komihana guy is who is joining him for the ride (maybe a friend), but you can follow their efforts via YouTube. He's answering all sorts of questions from people who are watching. Shannon Frizell is also on the Exercycle, but I've no idea whether he's also going for the 12 hours.
It's called 12 on the 12th, because it's their 12th day in isolation.
Edit: Frizell just anwered my question: he's biking for a few hours, then takes a rest, and then joins him again. Apparently other players will join, too, for some time.
Thought it would be good to post the update from Codie Taylor, too:
codietaylor1 12 hours on the 12th complete.
The legs are feeling it now but thank you so much to everyone who donated jumped on the live feed and also the lads who got involved and did their part.
We smashed our goal of 12k and raised over $14,500.
Special mention to @plus64fitness for convincing me to do it and joining in on the ride. Also thanks to @aaronsmith_1112 and @richiemounga for sticking it out for 10 hours.
Amazing to be apart of a special charity like @kidscannz
The givealittle page closes on Monday so if you want to still donate you can, just follow the link in my bio.
Thanks again everyone, unreal
#12onthe12th #kidscan
@ARHS said in 2021 Crusaders:
Looks like a plan by the rich clubs to replace International rugby with something to line their pockets
This.
Too much emphasis on club footy.
Don't think this has been posted, yet. A very interesting interview with Scott Robertson in which he, among other things, talks about how he developed as a coach; how he works (neuroscience, visualisations, maps, theming/narrative), the mental side of the game; who he learned from and how he uses other coaches as a sounding board to keep learning himself (R Deans, W Smith, Melbourne Storm, Roosters; Stuart Lancaster). If I wasn't already convinced that I want him as an All Blacks head coach, I would after listening to this interview.
Also about his future: about helping Gatland with the Lions; he may coach the Barbarians against the Springboks before the Lions Tour, this year. He also would like to stay with the Crusaders and his aspirations "to go higher" etc.
About how he watched the All Blacks play, this year. They asked how he would have put a stamp on this group, if he'd been the coach, but he didn't really want to answer that, understandably.
Then also about the 2021 squad. Players coming close to 100 games (Drummond, D Havili, Taylor); the rookies coming in.
More about David Havili. Joke: Question - What else does he (Havili) have to do to cement himself at that higher level? Razor's answer: play halfback. More seriously: he's the kind of guy you would take to the RWC, he's a multi-talented, multi-positional player, long-range kick, smart, leadership, tough.
Quick questions:
Young Crusaders to look out for in 2021: Chay Fihaki
Which team will win if the Crusaders don't: laughing, he doesn't really want to answer, but ends up saying the Highlanders (maybe because Joey Wheeler is one of the interviewers).
Teacher's pet: Tom Sanders
Are there other (int) teams he'd consider coaching, like the Black Ferns? He'd consider it, if they wanted to have him.
What would he want to do in rugby that he hasn't done yet? The ABs job being an obvious one, but his answer was winning every competition as a coach he has played in as a player. So that would also include the Top League in Japan.
Which player would he want to poach from another team: Jordie Barrett, he wants him back.
