Crusaders vs Blues: MATCH THREAD: Timaru - 2011R17

[GC]

Another try butcher!! ba ha ha hah....more of this in the World Cup please.

 

[minorbird]

I think Brett just bested the Saders butchered try from earlier...

 

[ChargerWA]

Some shocking finishing putting a damper what should be the game of the round.

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

Again the Saders getting smashed everywhere, except somehow still winning.

 

[Bullrush]

FUCK!!! Can the Blues PLEASE get a real 1st-five!!!!!!

 

[qwerty51]

Again the Saders getting smashed everywhere, except somehow still winning.

You have a warped view of them for sure.

 

[Riptide]

What a cracking game to watch. Two packs as hard as teak smashing into each other on heavy ground. It was brutal physical intensity at times, but I really found this game fascinating. Carter's game management was the difference in the end to drive the Crusaders to the top of their conference at the right time, and they'll probably have McCaw back for the playoffs.

Luke Braid, Kaino and Faumaina really impressed for the Blues and their locks comfortably won the lineout.

 

[cyclopath]

Carter is not flashy (well, except for that chip kick for the last try), but he just makes good decisions all game. Geez, he's impressive.

 

[ChargerWA]

I could agree that the Blues had the upper hand, but your failing to take into account the self belief the Saders have in themselves. That is no accident and deserves respect too.

 

[Bowside]

This game really illustrated a few big advantages the kiwis have over us. Every player is strong at the breakdown, they execute their passes and kicks and they have excellent support play. Even though they bombed some tries, still a brilliant game to watch. Nice to see DC respecting the opposition at they end as well, another reason he's miles ahead of giteau.

 

[cyclopath]

This game really illustrated a few big advantages the kiwis have over us. Every player is strong at the breakdown, they execute their passes and kicks and they have excellent support play. Even though they bombed some tries, still a brilliant game to watch. Nice to see DC respecting the opposition at they end as well, another reason he's miles ahead of giteau.

Let it go, FFS. He was in his own half, so hardly the place for a droppie.

 

[Riptide]

This game really illustrated a few big advantages the kiwis have over us. Every player is strong at the breakdown, they execute their passes and kicks and they have excellent support play. Even though they bombed some tries, still a brilliant game to watch. Nice to see DC respecting the opposition at they end as well, another reason he's miles ahead of giteau.

Aside from Carter, Mealamu, and Franks, I really don't see too many ABs playing consistently well right now. They will need to lift their game and that will get increasingly difficult as the pressure mounts. It just wont be the time to find your game.

 

[Bowside]

Let it go, FFS. He was in his own half, so hardly the place for a droppie.

That's my last word on the matter. I promise...

Riptide I think its a good point. Which franks are you revering to, as one of them had his hand on the ground at nearly every scrum.

 

[ChargerWA]

Which franks are you revering to, as one of them had his hand on the ground at nearly every scrum.

I've heard that not even their mother knows.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Aside from Carter, Mealamu, and Franks, I really don't see too many ABs playing consistently well right now. They will need to lift their game and that will get increasingly difficult as the pressure mounts. It just wont be the time to find your game.

I sometimes wonder what some people expect of AB players. The players aren't in AB camp, there are a number of tests to be played before the pressure really hits.

 

[qwerty51]

Aside from Carter, Mealamu, and Franks, I really don't see too many ABs playing consistently well right now. They will need to lift their game and that will get increasingly difficult as the pressure mounts. It just wont be the time to find your game.

Ali Williams' performance would've been encouraging. As with Kaino.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Ali Williams' performance would've encouraging. As with Kaino.

Kaino was quiet IMO. Ali Williams was very good and IMO played his way back into the ABs tonight.

 

[tragic]

failing to take into account the self belief the Saders have in themselves.

as opposed to the self belief they have in someone else??

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

as opposed to the self belief they have in someone else??

Lol, top post.

 

[Riptide]

I sometimes wonder what some people expect of AB players. The players aren't in AB camp, there are a number of tests to be played before the pressure really hits.

Well, I expect AB caliber players to be strong and consistent performers for the franchise, and to perform at a level of excellence or there abouts most of the time, and certainly not be be frequently outplayed by their oposite numbers.

The pressure will mount as questions are asked after the first loss to either the ABs or Boks; it always does. But this time, there will be no respite unless you go all the way and win the cup. No other team has that pressure or expectancy to perform this year.