R3 - Reds vs. Crusaders - Suncorp

[Bobby Sands]

As a likely first choice Wallaby he's surely part of the group that RA wants managed this year.

Missing the last six tests of 2018 isn't going to help him much if he's played 21+ games already this year when we get to the RWC.

I am not sure they will be able to mandate the Reds resting him, as Reg says, his load coming into this season was very light. He will benefit most from playing games.

On another note, I think him not going on tour will do him wonders. Just wish they would leave him at 5.

 

[fatprop]

And the saders bench is rather fun as well

 

[Braveheart81]

I am not sure they will be able to mandate the Reds resting him, as Reg says, his load coming into this season was very light. He will benefit most from playing games.

They might not be able to mandate it but it does seem like the Super Rugby sides are generally on board with the resting policy. It is only going to be a max of 2 games.

 

[Bobby Sands]

They might not be able to mandate it but it does seem like the Super Rugby sides are generally on board with the resting policy. It is only going to be a max of 2 games.

Are you not reading?

The resting was for Wallabies from the tour not for potential future Wallabies.

 

[Adam84]

Are you not reading?

The resting was for Wallabies from the tour not for potential future Wallabies.

That’s your interpretation, that’s not to say they’re not concerned about his workload in a RWC year given there’s plenty of games to play this year.

 

[Braveheart81]

Are you not reading?

The resting was for Wallabies from the tour not for potential future Wallabies.

I thought you meant Salakaia-Loto not going on the 2018 EOYT would have done him wonders.

I'm not really sure what else you're arguing. Of course it will only be first choice current Wallabies that will be asked to rest. Players on the periphery, capped or uncapped won't be asked to sit out games.

 

[emuarse]

I thought you meant Salakaia-Loto not going on the 2018 EOYT would have done him wonders.

I'm not really sure what else you're arguing. Of course it will only be first choice current Wallabies that will be asked to rest. Players on the periphery, capped or uncapped won't be asked to sit out games.

Although with the Super season being so arduous on players, nearly all the team will have a game or two off anyway, be it a niggle or just a break from the game aside from the byes, of which the timing of the first was unfortunate for the Reds
They don't have a 35 man squad for nothing.

 

[Scoey]

And the saders bench is rather fun as well

Shouldn't see any late match fades from either team. Hope this game is a belter!

 

[Scoey]

Crusaders are the benchmark. Good teams want to play the best teams. If you've got to play the Saders, you want to get them early in the season and at your home ground. The Reds should be chomping at the bit for this one.

 

[PhilClinton]

For me, this week is two teams with contrasting positive attributes

The Reds showed last week they have some great current stars and young core who can win games and play positive, good to watch rugby, but struggled to keep a cohesive game plan for 80mins

The Crusaders have a culture that breeds players who buy into a great system. They might be lacking some of the generational players of the past, but they will have 15 guys on the field who will all know how to play together for the entire match and can grind a team down.

It will be interesting and fun to watch and I think if the Reds can keep their motors going for 80mins, they should win. As mentioned a few times the bench will play an important part, especially the forwards.

 

[dillyboy]

I fly out to Melbourne tomorrow morning for a work conference & are staying in Southbank.

Anyone know a good spot in melb to watch the game? (I was thinking the casino would be my best bet but would love the option of a smaller pub)

 

[Dctarget]

I fly out to Melbourne tomorrow morning for a work conference & are staying in Southbank.

Anyone know a good spot in melb to watch the game? (I was thinking the casino would be my best bet but would love the option of a smaller pub)

Avoid casino at all costs. Ain't pleasant...
Go to the Maori Chief (dead centre of South Bank), a few hundred metres from the Casino. Nice pub with a good rugby crowd. Or you could cross the river and head into the city to goto Turf Sports bar, which is about a ten minute walk from you.

 

[RugbyReg]

My optimism for a Reds win against the Crusaders has been somewhat taken aback when I see who the ref is.
Guess who you'd least like as a ref if you're a Reds fan..
yep, its Marius van der Westhuizen (RSA).
He has made some diabolical decisions against the Reds in the past, although admittedly when they are playing one of the local sides in RSA.
We'll soon see.

remind me?

 

[Scoey]

I can't remember a stand out from Marius. Stuart Berry, yes but Marius, nothing springs to mind.

 

[emuarse]

remind me?

Thanks for your question , RR.
I owe Marius van der Westhuizen an apology. It was actually the referee Stuart Berry in the RSA Lions V Reds game in 2014 where Berry was totally one eyed, and earnt widespread condemnation for the game , along with other games he reffed.
I have deleted the post.

 

[Dctarget]

In fact, Marius was crucified last year by SA media for apparently being biased for the Reds and missing Taniela's high shot.

 

[emuarse]

In fact, Marius was crucified last year by SA media for apparently being biased for the Reds and missing Taniela's high shot.

Then he's the ref we want

 

[Happyman]

Then he's the ref we want

I would generally look at who the TMO is most Refs are pretty good. Some TMO's are diabolical.

 

[Scoey]

George Ayoub is TMO

 

[Brumby Runner]

Have always regarded Marius to be the best of the SH refs. I was surprised at the first post which (mistakenly) called him out for bias or ineptitude.