Crusaders call for reinforcements

[TRF_Cymro]

The Crusaders have been forced to call for reinforcements in the wake of their victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.

http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2011/rugby/story/139490.html​

 

[Darwin]

This will be a big test for Tom Taylor if he gets a chance to play for the Crusaders, as because of Canterbury's depth at 10 and 12 I don't think he's even played at ITM Cup level. He's a very good player, so I hope he does get a chance. Good to see Crotty back in the mix as well, as he's another quality player. Slightly surprised to see Brent Ward called up, but given there are really no genuine options from the Crusaders catchment I suppose they had to look outside the region. Ward a good player with plenty of experience at this level, so I'm sure he will do well if he gets on the field (and he has actually played for the Crusaders before).

 

[ranger]

This will be a big test for Tom Taylor if he gets a chance to play for the Crusaders, as because of Canterbury's depth at 10 and 12 I don't think he's even played at ITM Cup level. He's a very good player, so I hope he does get a chance. Good to see Crotty back in the mix as well, as he's another quality player. Slightly surprised to see Brent Ward called up, but given there are really no genuine options from the Crusaders catchment I suppose they had to look outside the region. Ward a good player with plenty of experience at this level, so I'm sure he will do well if he gets on the field (and he has actually played for the Crusaders before).

Is Tu Umaga-Marshall injured?

 

[Darwin]

Is Tu Umaga-Marshall injured?

I'd assume so. He started for the Crusaders in their first match of the season, and got injured during that game. I'm sure if he was fit he be going over there now.

Just thinking about it, I wonder whether they considered picking Sam Monaghan instead of Ward. Ward has clearly got the experience, but has no future with the Crusaders, while Monaghan looked to be developing into a handy young player during the ITM Cup for Canterbury. Probably a wise decision to go for the experienced Ward though, as it is really a no win situation - if you perform you are likely to miss out when the injured players return, but if you fail it could really dent your confidence.

 

[smartcooky]

What the hell ever happened to Hamish Gard?

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/profile/hamish-gard/13/player-details.aspx

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I was wondering the same thing a few weeks ago... He just disappeared...

 

[ranger]

What the hell ever happened to Hamish Gard?

http://www.crusaders.co.nz/profile/hamish-gard/13/player-details.aspx

He got snapped up by a Japanese club. The coach was a former cantabrian and recognised Gards' talent.
I think he must have looked at where he was on the crusaders and NZ pecking order and then decided probably wouldn't make the All Blacks so shopped his name around a bit. He got an offer where he would be paid more than the average All Black anyway so jumped at it.

 

[smartcooky]

He got snapped up by a Japanese club. The coach was a former cantabrian and recognised Gards' talent.
I think he must have looked at where he was on the crusaders and NZ pecking order and then decided probably wouldn't make the All Blacks so shopped his name around a bit. He got an offer where he would be paid more than the average All Black anyway so jumped at it.

Shame. I thought the kid really had some potential.

Could he turn up in the Japan team perhaps?

 

[ranger]

Shame. I thought the kid really had some potential.

Could he turn up in the Japan team perhaps?

I don't see why not. He musn't be playing very well though because he hasn't been in the Japanese frame so far.

 

[Darwin]

I don't see why not. He musn't be playing very well though because he hasn't been in the Japanese frame so far.

I think Gard only went over to Japan at the end of 2008, so I'd assume he won't be eligible for Japan till the end of 2011 (under the 3 year residency rule).