Super Rugby Rnd 1 2020: Crusaders v Waratahs
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Froggy
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
This will be a bridge too far for the Tahs at this stage. I certainly don't expect a win, but will be looking more at the way they compete. I guess I'm specifically looking for the forwards to be competitive in both the set piece and general play, decent defence, a good level of discipline and ball control and occasions where they look to threaten. In short, the Saders coming away knowing they had to play well to win.
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
The Crusaders were notoriously slow Super starters, but I think that was because they were full of senior NZ players who wanted to ease back into the season. Now that a lot of them have retired/sabbaticals/gone overseas I reckon the team will start a lot better. That's not good news for the Tahs!
Best we can hope for is that we are competitive. If we are its a good start, if not Penney can get his axe out and start pruning.
Best we can hope for is that we are competitive. If we are its a good start, if not Penney can get his axe out and start pruning.
waiopehu oldboy
George Smith (75)
Still plenty of AB on their roster & NZR have decreed that none can play more than 180 minutes in Weeks 1-3 , must have two weeks in-season leave in addition to their bye weeks, and can't play more than six consecutive weeks (count restarts after a rest or bye week).
The absence of the June window will also make workload management more complex for both AB & non-AB players. In short I think that if Crusaders are to play finals footy again it'll be on the backs of their squad rather than a handful of superstars.
rugbysmartarse
Alan Cameron (40)
agreed. i much prefer the waratahs nice consistent sloppyness throughout the season
Like a quiche that never got cooked.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Omelette.
I assume that the Brumbies v Reds in Canberra will be the replay game on Sunday.
molman
Jim Lenehan (48)
Can only ask for a respectful performance in this game. Feel less excited about Beale taking up the 10 jersey than seeing one of the young guys given a go. Curious to see where our defence is really at, and to get a little more insight as to who is ready to step up or not. I just get the feeling that the Crusaders are going to buck the trend of a slow start this year.
Hopefully they decide to front-load their player rest and considering that the games against conference teams are worth more we might luck out, though I really doubt it.
Hopefully they decide to front-load their player rest and considering that the games against conference teams are worth more we might luck out, though I really doubt it.
All Round Throbber
Frank Row (1)
Can't see why you would play Beale at 10. I would prefer Harrison with maybe Beale in the centres to help him out for a few weeks.
Anyone know when we will see Moeroa? A Hunt/Moeroa centre pairing just mincing people is a tasty proposition.
Anyone know when we will see Moeroa? A Hunt/Moeroa centre pairing just mincing people is a tasty proposition.
Jimmy_Crouch
Peter Johnson (47)
In days gone by maybe. They last three years they have won their openers against Brumbies, Chiefs and Blues.
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
Tahs side:
1. Tom Robertson
2. Robbie Abel
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Tom Staniforth
5. Rob Simmons (C)
6. Lachlan Swinton
7. Michael Hooper
8. Jed Holloway
9. Jake Gordon
10. Will Harrison
11. Alex Newsome
12. Karmichael Hunt
13. Lalakai Foketi
14. Mark Nawaqanitawase
15. Kurtley Beale
Reserves
16. Damien Fitzpatrick
17. Angus Bell
18. Chris Talakai
19. Ryan Mccauley
20. Jack Dempsey
21. Carlo Tizzano
22. Mitch Short
23. Jack Maddocks
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
Like Cheika did, impact and experience off the bench later in the game
Jimmy_Crouch
Peter Johnson (47)
Its round one. Not sure where they currently sit with training etc. The line up in three weeks will be more telling
Jimmy_Crouch
Peter Johnson (47)
Yes - Listed as "Illness"