[2015 Super Rugby] Hurricanes vs. Crusaders (Round 12) 02/05/2015

[TRF_stormer2010]

Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 19:35 local, 17:35 AEST, 09:35 SAST
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant Ref 1:Shane McDermott
Assistant Ref 2:Jamie Nutbrown
TMO : Aaron Paterson​

 

[Shaggy]

Teams named:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...150th-crusaders-appearance-against-hurricanes

Crusaders: Tom Taylor, David Havili, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Mitchell Drummond, Kieron Fonotia, Nafi Tuitavake.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...s-hurricanes-bolster-side-for-crusaders-clash

Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (c), Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Dane Coles, Chris Eves, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Mark Abbott, Blade Thomson, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

The Crusaders are going to be in a very precarious position if they don't win this match. At this point in time the top six is still a realistic possibility for the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Highlanders, Crusaders, Brumbies, Waratahs, Stormers, Bulls and (arguably) Lions.

The Crusaders have two matches remaining against the Hurricanes and have matches against the Brumbies and Waratahs in Australia - that doesn't give them a lot of control over their fate.

I think if the Crusaders lose this match they are going to be all but out of the title race, which I think will be enough motivation to get them home over the Hurricanes.

 

[Irishkid]

Hurricanes are so good at scoring from anywhere. Ardie Savea is seriously quick

 

[easy2288]

Crusaders season is over. Done. DC can go for another sabbatical leave if he wish. Well done Hurricanes

 

[Amobokoboko]

Really happy for the Canes with this victory. Curious to see which Crusaders will be picked for the RWC squad.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Another knee injury to an All Black no. 10. Is the curse about to hit the All black 10s again? Hoping Barrett's knee injury is just a tweak to his medial ligaments and not anterior like Cruden. This guy is a joy to watch in full flight.

 

[MotherRucker1]

Super Rugby form isn't really an indication of All Blacks form. Sometimes, but not always. We've seen that with Ma'a Nonu in the past.

Well done the Hurricanes. Disappointing and annoying from a 'Saders fan perspective. You need to kick those goals when you have an opportunity against these guys. I thought Colin Slade had a really good game and Sam Whitelock started finding some form again. It wasn't our worst showing of the year, trust me. But clearly Toddy's run as coach is over, or should be over. My understanding is he'll be there again next year?

I've always liked Jordan Taufua ever since I saw him in the ITM Cup. After the World Cup surely he is somebody worth looking at. At times he has the running skills of Vito, and the physicality of Kaino. And as for the Hurricanes - Brad Shields has been playing consistently awesome all year imo.

 

[easy2288]

Super Rugby form isn't really an indication of All Blacks form. Sometimes, but not always. We've seen that with Ma'a Nonu in the past.

Well done the Hurricanes. Disappointing and annoying from a 'Saders fan perspective. You need to kick those goals when you have an opportunity against these guys. I thought Colin Slade had a really good game and Sam Whitelock started finding some form again. It wasn't our worst showing of the year, trust me. But clearly Toddy's run as coach is over, or should be over. My understanding is he'll be there again next year?

I've always liked Jordan Taufua ever since I saw him in the ITM Cup. After the World Cup surely he is somebody worth looking at. At times he has the running skills of Vito, and the physicality of Kaino. And as for the Hurricanes - Brad Shields has been playing consistently awesome all year imo.

Ma'a Nonu is only one player. But there are 9 ABs players in the Crusaders team and are of which 6 are 1st choice players....It will be interesting to see the ABS team selection for London World Cup.

 

[MotherRucker1]

Ma'a Nonu is one player and that was one example.

There are plenty of All Blacks players in other franchises, and the Hurricanes, who in the past have not performed that well at Super Rugby level and gone amazingly at International level. I'd say on an individual level, Colin Slade has been a shining star in a crappy Crusaders team, Whitelock started finding form, Dagg had patches of form, etc. Ellis might sneak ahead of Pulu on experience. Franks and Crockett get the job done at test level, and Read just needs more game time I think.

Form is important, but it's not as though this is a new phenomena where the All Blacks players are rusty at Super level. There have been plenty of years which I've watched some Kiwi franchises and thought "how the hell are the ABs going to win anything based on this?"

 

[austingtir]

Another knee injury to an All Black no. 10. Is the curse about to hit the All black 10s again? Hoping Barrett's knee injury is just a tweak to his medial ligaments and not anterior like Cruden. This guy is a joy to watch in full flight.

10 is less of an issue than it would of been 10 years ago when no one could touch DC. The only thing that concerns me is the fact we are probably carrying DC as I aint seen him do jack **** of anything worthwhile in ages. Its a pity if he doesnt pick his game up as that position could of gone to a promising player like Lima Sopoaga.

It actually could end up being the major mistake in Hansens reign imo.

 

[nickdnz]

With the Chiefs losing - this have given the Canes a very nice little buffer. Hope Barrett's injury is not serious!

 

[Bada-Bing!]

10 is less of an issue than it would of been 10 years ago when no one could touch DC. The only thing that concerns me is the fact we are probably carrying DC as I aint seen him do jack **** of anything worthwhile in ages. Its a pity if he doesnt pick his game up as that position could of gone to a promising player like Lima Sopoaga.

It actually could end up being the major mistake in Hansens reign imo.

Is your post a reply to Barrett's injury or just voicing your agenda against Dan Carter?

 

[austingtir]

Is your post a reply to Barrett's injury or just voicing your agenda against Dan Carter?

Its a reply to your comment acting like the sky might be falling ala 2011.

Super rugby is way different to WC test matches and personally dont really think Barrett is in any way shape or form proven at that level. He's started like probably less than 5 matches and I dont recall any of them being that memorable. But as I said it wont make a huge difference to the AB's performance as we arent as reliant on 10 tactical play like we were 10 years ago. Out of the three halfs that would obviously be selected Barrett is by far the poorest tactically. Slade and Carter are far superior in that regard and in defence.

And if anything I more dont like the fact that we could be blooding a potentially very exiting player for us rather than someone who is really just going through the motions of the end of his career.

But Carter still has time to pull something out of the bag so we'll have to wait and see wont we. My opinion is just an opinion.

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Its a reply to your comment acting like the sky might be falling ala 2011.

Super rugby is way different to WC test matches and personally dont really think Barrett is in any way shape or form proven at that level. He's started like probably less than 5 matches and I dont recall any of them being that memorable. But as I said it wont make a huge difference to the AB's performance as we arent as reliant on 10 tactical play like we were 10 years ago. Out of the three halfs that would obviously be selected Barrett is by far the poorest tactically. Slade and Carter are far superior in that regard and in defence.

And if anything I more dont like the fact that we could be blooding a potentially very exiting player for us rather than someone who is really just going through the motions of the end of his career.

But Carter still has time to pull something out of the bag so we'll have to wait and see wont we. My opinion is just an opinion.

No, just noticed from your posts that you when you think certain All blacks are passed their sell by date or not performing up to standard in Super Rugby they should be binned, Carter being one them and start trumping the next big thing that is coming out of one of the NZ franchises. Next you'll be saying Aaron Smith should be dropped.

Barrett is clearly a bench option for the ABs, his pace with 20-30 minutes to go whether it be at full back or fly half is a frightening prospect for any tiring opposition team - you only needed to see his effect when he came on for the ABs v SA in 2013 at Ellis Park and v Ireland on the end of season 2013 tour. The guy will be in the AB 23 in one shape or form, assuming this knee injury is not serious; probably not as a starter at 10. How you can say he is not proven at international level is beyond me; he has that X-factor which is crying out to be picked? Hence why ABs will need Carter to start at 10, with his experience.

Carter needs to just survive the super 15 season and the RC without injuring himself and he will be in the AB RWC squad. You don't leave out a 100 plus cap guy for a rookie in Sopoaga in a RWC year for any other reason other than that Carter is injured, no matter how good this guy has been in Super 15; as you said Super 15 rugby is totally different animal to test rugby, particularly the game management aspect of it. Carter has been out a long time and psychologically it is understandable that he is not a playing a full throttle, but he has time to get it right before September. To suggest otherwise, shows impatience on your part that he should be 100% fit and firing on all cylinders right now. He is also playing 12 for the Crusaders and not at 10.

I just don't see ABs or many of the top international teams blooding players in world cup year unless there is a serious deficiency in a particular position; the ABs aren't deficient yet at 10 and Sopoaga is 4th in line at best. Hansen will more than likely start blooding Sopoaga in 2016. Me, suggesting that a curse is re-visiting the ABs no. 10s was just tongue in cheek, don't you have a sense of humour?

 

[Jaguares]

A very good Super Rugby game. Incredible pace

Milner-Skudder deserves a black jersey

 

[MotherRucker1]

No, just noticed from your posts that you when you think certain All blacks are passed their sell by date or not performing up to standard in Super Rugby they should be binned, Carter being one them and start trumping the next big thing that is coming out of one of the NZ franchises. Next you'll be saying Aaron Smith should be dropped.

Barrett is clearly a bench option for the ABs, his pace with 20-30 minutes to go whether it be at full back or fly half is a frightening prospect for any tiring opposition team - you only needed to see his effect when he came on for the ABs v SA in 2013 at Ellis Park and v Ireland on the end of season 2013 tour. The guy will be in the AB 23 in one shape or form, assuming this knee injury is not serious; probably not as a starter at 10. How you can say he is not proven at international level is beyond me; he has that X-factor which is crying out to be picked? Hence why ABs will need Carter to start at 10, with his experience.

Carter needs to just survive the super 15 season and the RC without injuring himself and he will be in the AB RWC squad. You don't leave out a 100 plus cap guy for a rookie in Sopoaga in a RWC year for any other reason other than that Carter is injured, no matter how good this guy has been in Super 15; as you said Super 15 rugby is totally different animal to test rugby, particularly the game management aspect of it. Carter has been out a long time and psychologically it is understandable that he is not a playing a full throttle, but he has time to get it right before September. To suggest otherwise, shows impatience on your part that he should be 100% fit and firing on all cylinders right now. He is also playing 12 for the Crusaders and not at 10.

I just don't see ABs or many of the top international teams blooding players in world cup year unless there is a serious deficiency in a particular position; the ABs aren't deficient yet at 10 and Sopoaga is 4th in line at best. Hansen will more than likely start blooding Sopoaga in 2016. Me, suggesting that a curse is re-visiting the ABs no. 10s was just tongue in cheek, don't you have a sense of humour?

I agree for the most part, Blindside. I do think some of our posters can get a little excited when seeing a Super rugby player going well in 2015 alone and suddenly all the time, effort and precedent of what other established players have done at international level flies out the window. I think Sopoaga, as well as a host of other players in other positions are going amazingly well - particularly at the Hurricanes. But that doesn't mean I'd pick a "Form XV" on World Cup year.

But I'd also be iffy about Dan Carter starting at number 10 right now. I'm assuming you mean he should be our first choice number 10, and not just starting certain games here and there? I think I would disagree with that. Previously I've said that if Carter wants to get more regular AB time then he needs to step up at Super rugby level. There are just two awesome players already there who are established and are brilliant at international level, and super level, who aren't as shakey as DC right now. Any improvement by Carter isn't going to happen in 5 minutes, but his window for doing so is closing. Right now I would start Slade at 10, followed by Barrett and then Carter (only since Cruden's not available.)

 

[easy2288]

The issue is DC is not only not playing well and also prone to injury.

 

[austingtir]

Blindside: your reply is just another typical lack of reading comprehension post like alot of others I could name around here.

I clearly said Barrett is not the best at starting tests. Thats a fact. Theres no arguements to be had here! Prove me otherwise!!!
Like you said he's perfectly fine if not the best you'll find off the bench which means we are starting Slade or Carter (if they both make it to the WC which is dubious to start with).

Carter is past it you show me a match since his return from france where he was even half decent for DC? And thats alot of matches for you to find one!!

I really couldnt care less what anyone else thinks on my thoughts on Aaron Smith I have followed him for many years at the HL and imo he just is not that great and the state of halfbacks the world over is actually pretty average. I was the first one to say Genia was rubbish and I got the same comments like yours. I'v got no problem at all to keep banging on about it whatsoever (but of course I never said he should be dropped.... well maybe... preferably from the Highlanders LOL).

The thing is if we dont Select Sopoaga he's likely gone to Samoa. IMHO he has to be selected this year doesnt matter if its just against Samoa to me Hansen has plain lost his mind if he doesnt select him given the state of our other 10's who imo none of them are world beaters Cruden is the closest if he gets a game to swing his way but against tough opposition that barely ever happens (because he to has had his best seasons a year or two back).

Maybe thats just the HL supporter coming out in me but Sopoaga is clearly without any shadow of a doubt the form 10 in NZ right now. And on his day he actually has a bit of X factor to him which given he's only like 24 could be developed very well if he's selected now so we can win test matches next year!! This AB's team is going to be rather depleted come next year and the people that are saying not much is going to change this year might be in for a shock. I expect to see Hansen take a couple of surprises to the WC (BECAUSE HE IS COACHING THE TEAM NEXT YEAR SO UNLESS HE'S RETARDED LOSING ONE MATCH AT THE WC CUP IS NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS).

 

[nickdnz]

I think people are being pretty tough on Daniel Carter here. He's not playing exceptional rugby, but he's doing exactly what every other 12 has been doing for the Crusaders which is shoveling it on sideways. It's clearly part of the Crusaders game plan to try and consistently spread it from side to side and eventually find space in the wings. Is it a good gameplan? Not really, it hasn't been very effective so far and I'm absolutely amazed Tabai Matson is being lined up for the Blues role. But looking at the stats Daniel Carter has passed the ball more times than any other 12 (and I think more than any other 10) in the competition. It's pretty clear he's been given the role to just shovel it on.

I'm not sure what people are expecting of Daniel Carter.

He's kicking at 75%.
Scored 3 tries in 587 minutes.
Tackling at 88%

He certainly hasn't been looking like the Daniel Carter we all know and love. But he hasn't been playing with Robbie Deans or the All Blacks consistently. He's been playing under Todd Blackadder. Who doesn't believe in intricate back-line moves. He believes in shoveling it from side to side. Daniel Carter has been delivering a masterclass in it..