Crusaders v Waratahs. Christchurch.

[Reddy!]

I think those pretend, fairy tables are to show a more accurate depiction of how much work is still to be done by some teams, and try and point out any trends...Like the Bulls, they have only lost 1 game, chances are they will only lose 1 more.

But I agree with your statement. The real table is the current Super 14 one, and how well your doing on that is what counts.

 

[Hawko]

Has this thread dropped to page 2 because the Crusaders logo turns everyone off?

Has anyone heard anything about who is available this week? When is the team announced?

 

[Lee Grant]

Has this thread dropped to page 2 because the Crusaders logo turns everyone off?

Yeah thumbs down on the idea of using the logo of the foreign home team instead of that of the visiting Oz team.

I put up the Tahs icon on the lead post of the thread but somebody changed it. I won't mention who did it as I don't want to embarrass Scarfman.

 

[Moses]

at the risk of further embarrassing Scarfman I've changed it back :fishing:

 

[Moses]

The HSBC Waratahs have named a 24-man squad ahead of this Saturday’s clash with the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Captain Phil Waugh and No.8 Wycliff Palu have been named in the squad however both will need to prove their fitness before the team flies to New Zealand on Friday. Chris Alcock and Locky McCaffrey – who both made their Super 14 debuts against the Cheetahs on Saturday – have also been named in the squad.

“Cliffy and Phil are both coming along pretty well and we’re going to provide them with every opportunity to prove their fitness, said HSBC Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey. “This is a big match for both teams and you want to take your experienced campaigners into big clashes such as these. That said, however, Chris Alcock did a fantastic job last weekend against the Cheetahs and didn’t look out of place starting at Super 14 level.

“We’ll put them through their paces on Thursday morning, see how they pull up in the afternoon and will make a call in the evening as to who we take when we fly on Friday morning.”

Hickey said the team will be aiming to build on the momentum gained form the last five weeks in the final match before the bye.

“You can’t win the comp and you can’t earn a finals berth in the middle part of the season but you can certainly lose touch if you don’t pick up points,” said Hickey. “We’ve been able to generate a lot of momentum since coming back from South Africa and our performances are becoming more consistent across the park.

“While there is a core of the squad which has been here for a while, there are a number of new players in important positions and it takes time for those combinations to come together.

“Having now strung together a number of wins I think we’re seeing the benefit of time spent together on the field and hopefully we can take that another step forward on Saturday.”

HSBC Waratahs Squad to play the Crusaders
Backs: Sosene Anesi, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Tom Carter, Daniel Halangahu, Josh Holmes, Rob Horne, Drew Mitchell, Lachie Turner
Forwards: Chris Alcock, Al Baxter, Will Caldwell, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Damien Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, Locky McCaffrey, Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Phil Waugh

 

[Scarfman]

The people are revolting. I give up. :

 

[Ash]

The people are revolting. I give up. :

Come on; they're not that disgusting, surely. uke:

 

[TheRiddler]

So, if Palu and Waugh do pass their fitness tests, will that see Alcock and McAffrey drop out of the 22 altogether - or will someone else get the tap on the shoulder.

 

[mark_s]

So, if Palu and Waugh do pass their fitness tests, will that see Alcock and McAffrey drop out of the 22 altogether - or will someone else get the tap on the shoulder.

They will both drop out. I would love to see Alcock have 20 mins up against Richie late in the game, but it would be harsh call to pick him ahead of Mowen (assuming Dennis stays in the starting 15) especially as Mowen covers more positions.

 

[Hawko]

Thanks to whoever put up the Hawk icon, I spent half an hour trying to do something myself without success. Too old to handle this new technology.

Not sure about the black and red colourings. The only team playing in that strip beat us twice in the final (not to mention a certain other game).

 

[Hawko]

Found a way to change it. Thanks for the original.

 

[James Buchanan]

Thanks to whoever put up the Hawk icon, I spent half an hour trying to do something myself without success. Too old to handle this new technology.

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to give me one, given that I'm opposed to them in general; I prefer that my posts do the talking.

Don't really mind what I was given though, he was a pretty good coach of a great team.

 

[Lee Grant]

Blackadder takes the early lead in the praising the other team best race.

*****************

Waratahs deserve to lead Super14: Blackadder

SMH Article Published: Wednesday 7 April 2010

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says that the Waratahs deserve to be on top of the Super14 table and that they are not there through luck.

The former All Blacks captain is however hoping that that whatever luck the Waratahs have had that it will run out when they run out at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.

Blackadder rejects suggestions the Waratahs have stumbled their way to first place and is expecting a tough assignment fir his troops this weekend.

"They are having a great season," Blackadder told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"They really deserve to be No.1 on the table. They have played some exceptional rugby."

"There is no way the Waratahs are a lucky side. Of all the teams, they obviously have a lot of self-belief, and a good game plan." he added.

"You don't get to No.1 on the ladder - not quite three-quarters of the way through the competition - by being lucky. It just doesn't happen."

Blackadder says that the difference this year is that the Waratahs have developed the ability to play the full 80 minutes whereas in past seasons they had a tendency to fade and let winning opportunities slip.

When asked what other elements of their game had improved, he said: "They do the simple basics really well."

"They have a good scrum and lineout. They seem to be the master of ball retention. They're scoring a lot of tries."

"They have some real good game-breakers. We have a lot of respect and are cautious of what they can do. They (also) have a really good kicking game."

While the Waratahs are on top of the Super14 table and coming off a win the Crusaders will be coming off a 26-all draw with the Hurricanes in Wellington last week and Blackadder said it was a reminder to his team of the dangers of letting the opposition back into a game.

"I was really pleased with a lot of aspects of our play (but) probably a little disappointed we let them back into the game. We had full control," Blackadder said.

"Off the back of the weekend, we have to learn that, and learn quickly, so we don't make the same mistakes against a good Waratahs side.

"But this will be a great game. There is nothing like preparing for a three-versus-one clash."

Blackadder also said that he had finally broken free of comparisons with his predecessor at the Crusaders, Robbie Deans, who coached the Crusaders to five Super Rugby titles.

"This year I haven't really been asked so many questions about Robbie," Blackadder said.

"Robbie is a great guy. He is a good friend. He was a great mentor when I played. And he was a really good coach."

"But it's nice to be out of the shadow and getting on with what I'm doing."

Blackadder is focused squarely on guiding the Crusaders to more Super Rugby titles but he does have ambition to one day coach the All Blacks - possibly after next year's World Cup, "if I am ready".

And a Super 14 title would boost his odds of replacing Graham Henry in that role.

"I feel (coaching) the Crusaders is almost like destiny. It's exactly where I want to be," he said.

"I am ambitious. I want to do a fantastic job with the Crusaders and push for higher honours.

"New Zealand has invested a lot of time in me. My goal is to continue to grow and be better."

****************

A good bloke Toddy. Aussies think of him in the same manner that Kiwis thought of John Eales. You couldn't fault the guy as a gent.

The only finger I can wag at him is that he moved around in an attempt to put Eales off when he was taking that kick.

 

[chief]

This game is certainly shaping out to be a cracker. I can see Dan Carter at his finest form after losing the Crusaders game trying to prove his home crowd he still has it. Then again I can see a Waratahs trying to prove that they do deserve to be a top 2 side, as the Crusaders want to prove as well.

I'm clueless to who will win, and that is anyone's guess.

 

[Moses]

Thanks to whoever put up the Hawk icon, I spent half an hour trying to do something myself without success. Too old to handle this new technology.

Not sure about the black and red colourings. The only team playing in that strip beat us twice in the final (not to mention a certain other game).

No probs, just found it on google images and the hawk looked kind of cool. Other option was for Jennifer Hawkins... I somehow managed to resist that temptation.

Thanks to whoever put up the Hawk icon, I spent half an hour trying to do something myself without success. Too old to handle this new technology.

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to give me one, given that I'm opposed to them in general; I prefer that my posts do the talking.

Don't really mind what I was given though, he was a pretty good coach of a great team.

Took me a while as I try and match the pic to the poster or their username. Figured in the end that John Buchanan was close enough so he got the nod. I agree a post should stand on it's own, but also find the image link to your posts helps association with your content, and I at least am more likely to associate your opinions together. Also when someone doesn't have an avatar I often skip their posts when I'm in a hurry.

 

[fatprop]

The Crusaders 22 for the Tahs

15 Colin Slade
14 Sean Maitland
13 Robert Fruean
12 Ryan Crotty
11 Zac Guildford
10 Dan Carter
9 Kahn Fotuali'i

8 Kieran Read
7 George Whitelock
6 Richie McCaw (captain)
5 Brad Thorn
4 Chris Jack
3 Owen Franks
2 Ti'i Paulo
1 Wyatt Crockett

Reserves:
16 Daniel Perrin
17 Ben Franks
18 Sam Whitelock
19 Thomas Waldrom
20 Willi Heinz
21 Adam Whitelock
22 Jared Payne

 

[RugbyReg]

is this Jack's first start for the season?

 

[#1 Tah]

Waugh, Palu looking good for Christchurch

» Back to News Listing
Thursday, 8 April 2010
NSWRU Media Unit

The HSBC Waratahs will take captain Phil Waugh and rampaging No.8 Wycliff Palu to Christchurch after naming the pair in the team to take on the Crusaders on Saturday.

Both players ran freely this morning and while Palu has been cleared to play, Waugh will be reassessed on game day.

Chris Alcock has been bracketed with Waugh in the starting XV and will line up for his second NSW cap should Waugh not be ready.

"Cliffy's good to go which is great news, and we're really confident with Phil as well," said head coach Chris Hickey. "Phil's injury is one which is hard to play through so we need to be assured he'll be ok to take the field before we finalise the team. At this stage though, we're pretty sure that will be the case.

"We have no hesitation whatsoever in taking Chris [Alcock] with us to Christchurch and it's certainly a great reward for his match last week."

The only other change to last week's team sees Ben Mowen move to the blindside of the scrum while Dave Dennis reverts to the bench.

"Both Benny and Dave have been playing well and there's not much between them at all," said Hickey. "Ben made the most of his opportunity to start last week when Cliffy was out injured and deserves another chance in the starting side and we know Dave Dennis will provide plenty of punch from the bench."

The match will see Al Baxter go past David Lyons as the third most-capped NSW player of all time in his 101st appearance, while Sosene Anesi will earn his 50th Super Rugby cap if he joins the match from the bench.

The HSBC Waratahs fly to Christchurch on Friday morning ahead of Saturday's clash with the Crusaders at AMI Stadium at 5:35pm AEST (7:35pm NZT).

2010 Super 14 - Round 9
CRUSADERS v HSBC WARATAHS
Saturday 10 April 2010 (Kick-off 5:35pm AEST, 7:35pm NZT)
AMI Stadium, Christchurch

HSBC WARATAHS
15. Kurtley Beale (Northern Suburbs)
14. Lachie Turner (Eastwood)
13. Rob Horne (Southern Districts)
12. Berrick Barnes (Sydney University)
11. Drew Mitchell (Balmain)
10. Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University)
9. Luke Burgess (Sydney University)
8. Wycliff Palu (Manly)
7. Phil Waugh [c] (Sydney University) / Chris Alcock (Gordon)
6. Ben Mowen (Randwick)
5. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts)
4. Dean Mumm (Sydney University)
3. Al Baxter* (Northern Suburbs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta)
1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood)
Reserves
16. Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood)
17. Sekope Kepu (Randwick)
18. Will Caldwell (Sydney University)
19. Dave Dennis (Sydney University)
20. Josh Holmes (Warringah)
21. Tom Carter (Sydney University)
22. Sosene Anesi^ (Eastern Suburbs)

* 101st NSW Cap (3rd all-time)
^ 50th Super Rugby Cap (Chiefs 41)

why do people start to bag the Tahs as soon as they start doing well. if the brumbies or reds were top of the table, no one would dare question them, even if they still havent had the bye, or even if Tom Carter was in their squad. But of course, the Waratahs, even with hard work and tough wins, get questioned even though they are top of the table? they have one the same amount of games as the bulls, and got there on points difference, a thing which cost them big time last year.

Am I the only true believer left?

 

[Spook]

why do people start to bag the Tahs as soon as they satart doing well. if the brumbies or reds were top of the table, no one whould dare question them

:nta: :lmao:


Anyway back to the game, when did the Tahs last beat the Saders?

 

[disco]

[HSBC WARATAHS
15. Kurtley Beale (Northern Suburbs)
14. Lachie Turner (Eastwood)
13. Rob Horne (Southern Districts)
12. Berrick Barnes (Sydney University)
11. Drew Mitchell (Balmain)
10. Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University)
9. Luke Burgess (Sydney University)
8. Wycliff Palu (Manly)
7. Phil Waugh [c] (Sydney University) / Chris Alcock (Gordon)
6. Ben Mowen (Randwick)
5. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts)
4. Dean Mumm (Sydney University)
3. Al Baxter* (Northern Suburbs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta)
1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood)
Reserves
16. Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood)
17. Sekope Kepu (Randwick)
18. Will Caldwell (Sydney University)
19. Dave Dennis (Sydney University)
20. Josh Holmes (Warringah)
21. Tom Carter (Sydney University)
22. Sosene Anesi^ (Eastern Suburbs)
/quote]

Good team for the tahs probably the strongest they can run out, would love to see them win but have tipped the Saders.

Mowen is a good choice as he is a very good jumper at the front of the lineout & Paulo is a pretty dodgy throw.