Crusaders v Reds Prelim 1

[disco]

Can't wait for this match should be a beauty. Talk that McCaw may get a bench spot just to make it that little bit spicy.

Big test for Quade & the Reds who have struggled to cross the tryline on a regular basis of late but on the other hand the Crusdaers have been racking up some big scores.

Reds are 4 from 4 against Kiwi opposition this year but haven't yet played the Crusdaers.

 

[Sully]

So there is no minimum game requirement to play finals?

 

[Athilnaur]

Is McCaw allowed to play in a final if he hasn't played in 1-20? Seem to recall Reds having an issue with that in 2011?

 

[teach]

McCaw was named as part of the Crusaders squad for the 2013 season in October last year. Pretty sure no one was going to take the risk of a technicality ruling him out of playing for the Crusaders at the pointy end of the season.

In this way he is no different from wider squad members who are unable to crack the match day 22.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Didn't you hear McCaw was dropped after a very poor pre-season and has been unable to crack a match day 22 since. He was sent back to club rugby and and after showing a bit of form the last couple of weeks will get his chance to step up to see if he's up for it.

Good luck to young Richie.

 

[ACT Crusader]

So there is no minimum game requirement to play finals?

I think there is only a minimum requirement for newly recruited players. Just so teams don't go on mass recruitment drives just before the finals.

As teach said, McCaw was named in the original squad. Not even in the wider training group. Saders have been pretty lucky that Todd and G. Whitelock haven't had any major injuries this season.

 

[TOCC]

Depending on injuries, this is how i see the lineup

1. Greg Holmes
2. Saia Fainga'a
3. James Slipper
4. James Horwill
5. Rob Simmons
6. Ed Quirk
7. Liam Gill
8. Jake Shatz
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Luke Morahan
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Anthony Fainga'a
14. Dominic Shipperly
15. Ben Lucas

16. James Hanson
17. Albert Anae
18. Ed O'Dongohue
19. Jarrad Butler
20. Beau Robinson
21. Jono Lance
22. Chris F'Sautia

 

[light]

Would rather Lance at 15, thought Lucas was very average last night.

Was CFS rested against the Tahs?

 

[tigerland12]

Would rather Lance at 15, thought Lucas was very average last night.

Was CFS rested against the Tahs?

Not sure what the go was with F'Sautia, because he played for Souths again.

 

[Athilnaur]

Thanks Teach that makes sense.

 

[fatprop]

The Reds will have to improve about 100% on last night to get within 20 points of the crusaders

 

[Hairy Test Eagle]

Are Horwill and Genia definitely back for this game?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Will need all hands on deck to take on the Canterbury Lambs next week.

Without Big Kev and Sanchez, it would probably be a bridge too far.

 

[No4918]

Bring McCaw back, will just fire the boys up. Reds by plenty. Some of there defence last night was as solid as have seen. They will be up for this and definitely improve after there first game in 5 weeks. 5 from 5 verse the kiwis would be very sweet.

 

[FrankLind]

I doubt McCaw is ready.
He only just finished a wee spot of club rugby this weekend.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

They talk about killing the fatted calf. What do you do with the fatted GOAT?

Pick him for the playoffs.

Sir Richie looks like he may need a little more S&C work.

 

[TOCC]

I hope Richie plays, I don't want the Crusaders to have any excuses for losing...

 

[Ruggo]

Depending on injuries, this is how i see the lineup

1. Greg Holmes
2. Saia Fainga'a
3. James Slipper
4. James Horwill
5. Rob Simmons
6. Ed Quirk
7. Liam Gill
8. Jake Shatz
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Luke Morahan
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Anthony Fainga'a
14. Dominic Shipperly
15. Ben Lucas

16. James Hanson
17. Albert Anae
18. Ed O'Dongohue
19. Jarrad Butler
20. Beau Robinson
21. Jono Lance
22. Chris F'Sautia

Drop Butler for Samo and I think you have nailed it. Also swap Ant and Taps.

 

[Dark Shark]

Drop Butler for Samo and I think you have nailed it. Also swap Ant and Taps.

Yes, Samo was excellent when he came on for his cameo last night. His tackling was dominant. He also provides a back row / second row option as well.

 

[No4918]

What has happened to Shipperley? Gone from top 5 in the country to 4th best at the Reds in the space of a season. Davies will be missed this week and am really concerned about the lack of guys in the backs that can create and capitalise on chances. Outside Genia/Cooper the next best is CFS. Tapuai was probably looked at to fill this role but he is dreadfully out of form. Can't remeber him having any impact in the Tahs game.