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[2017 Super Rugby] Round 15: Crusaders vs. Highlanders (03/06/2017)

TRF_heineken

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Venue: AMI Stadium
Time: 04:35 CAT (SA, GMT+2)
 
This game is going to be epic.

Highlanders had the Round 2 game seen up and were robbed by the ref.

Both teams have come a long way since then.

The key match up I'm interested to see is Sopoanga Vs Mo'Unga.

Many people think Mo'Unga should be above Sopoanga in the pecking order for the All Black's and I have been impressed especially in the game against the Cheifs.

Sopoanga was pure class when he came on last week. I'd definitely still have him higher than Mo'Unga for me especially the way he played that game in South Africa as well for the All Blacks.
 
The key match up I'm interested to see is Sopoanga Vs Mo'Unga.
Damn good point, I hadn't even thought about this. You get the feeling that if one really gets the upper hand on the other in this match, it could well get them that ABs jersey.
Along with the return of NMS, I think this is what I'm most intrigued about this round.
 
Got a feeling we will nick this one. Bittersweetly as I don't want the Lions getting an undeserved home final.
 
Pinch this on and the boys will get a real confidence boost
 
I'm rooting for the Landers but I reckon the Saders will be too strong up front tbh.
 
Yeah. Elliot Dixon is having a season to forget. I have a feeling he's going to be out muscled big time.

On another note. The scheduling for these derbies is at the worst possible time. I sense more injuries incoming..
 
Here's the Highlanders team;

Dillon Hunt missing with an injury which is a big blow. Lentjes should be fresh hopefully.

Dixon dropped for Evans which I'm happy about and not surprised. I don't want to rag on Dixon too much, but he's been our worst performing player out there this season.

Sopoaga nursing a calf ****le, so MArty gets the start, Sopoaga off the bench ain't a bad card to have in your hand anyway. Him and Faddes could do some late damage.

Buckman on the wing with Thompson centre is quite offensive, fair play to Thompson, deserves a start, I've liked him coming off the bench though, but Faddes will be equally as explosive. I am concerned about Thompsons defense and I think the Crusaders will attack him.

Interesting game this, I think we're capable of nicking it, but after seeing the team sheet I think the Crusaders will kill it up front and with the Landers kicking game and an inform Havili it could spell danger. You'd have to say Crusaders are clear favourites, but I'm going to back the Landers for an upset, why not.

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Crusaders team:

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Luke Romano
5. Sam Whitelock (C)
6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis
7. Matt Todd (VC)
8. Jordan Taufua
9. Mitchell Drummond
10. Richie Mo'unga
11. George Bridge
12. Ryan Crotty (VC)
13. Jack Goodhue
14. Seta Tamanivalu
15. David Havili

RESERVES
16. Ben Funnell
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Quinten Strange
20. Jed Brown
21. Bryn Hall
22. Mitchell Hunt
23. Israel Dagg

Dagg not surprisingly dropped to the bench. He wasn't very sharp last week and the guys ahead of him are playing too well to be demoted. I suspected they might move Tamaivalu into center and give Dagg the right wing spot, but clearly they don't wanna change a winning formula. Can't blame them...
Makes it interesting though with ABs selection around the corner if Dagg can't even crack Saders starting xv.
 
...just dont know about Buckman on the wing, i know he's performed there before but Li and Osbourne are specialists and in great form so short of an unreported injury one of them should start

Buckman and Fek's to start with Thompson coming off the bench has been really good
 
...just dont know about Buckman on the wing, i know he's performed there before but Li and Osbourne are specialists and in great form so short of an unreported injury one of them should start

Buckman and Fek's to start with Thompson coming off the bench has been really good
Yea that's seems a real odd selection for me too... could be a tactic to counter Tamanivalu or maybe they're anticipating a really tight sort of game, but I don't agree with dropping Li... he's performing well. Osborne's a worthy starter too.
 
Li is out with a shoulder injury he picked up trying to tackle that monster Tahs winger. Osbourne also has an injury.
 
Hoping for a Crusaders win since the Chiefs can't top the table, best thing for NZ rugby.
 
Crusaders absolutely dominating the breakdown. On another level.

Highlanders looking really out of sorts really rushing everything which probably isn't suprising with the intensity the Crusaders are playing at.
 
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Landers have most of the ball and territory, Saders pack killing them though, every breakdown is a struggle to keep the ball, Hunt is sorely missed. A couple of soft tries condeded from the Highlanders, 3 minutes to go and on the 22 line and they concede a try. Tony won't be happy with that.

Crotty looking good, attacking the big gap Marty and Thompson are leaving. I mentioned earlier they would attack Thompson. Highlanders should bring Buckman into 12 and close that. Faddes can go out on the wing.

Crusaders defense been great too. Goodhue in particular.

Interesting 2nd half, games still open and both teams have big benches.
 
Hunt is sorely missed.
. I mentioned earlier they would attack Thompson. Highlanders should bring Buckman into 12 and close that. Faddes can go out on the wing.

Hunt totally missed. Lentjes looking like he hasn't been playing forever.

No idea why Buckman isn't playing inside really missing him there
 
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