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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 551148" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Personally I don't think the Crusaders have taken too much of a dip - indeed I would be surprised if they aren't competing for the ***le again this season (indeed I still see them as favourites...). The big problem the Crusaders have is that they have had probably better sides over the last couple of seasons, but have failed to get over the final hurdle/s and actually win the ***le. It will probably be harder without McCaw for most of the season, and Carter getting ever more injury prone.</p><p></p><p>The Crusaders propping stocks are looking a bit thin this season, which could be a bit of a concern. Apart from that I can't see many weaknesses. I would say the Crusaders are stillprobably still getting at least as much young talent as any other franchise, though mainly in the forwards. The likes of Nepo Laulala, Dom Bird, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, and Johnny McNicholl are all very promising young players who will form the backbone of the Crusaders (and quite possibly even the All Blacks) in the future. I'm predicting McNicholl will make a big impact this season, but the likes of Bird, Tupou, Whitelock and Taufua may have to wait a season or two to really stamp their mark on Super Rugby due to the depth the Crusaders have in their locks/loosies.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 551148, member: 24910"] Personally I don't think the Crusaders have taken too much of a dip - indeed I would be surprised if they aren't competing for the ***le again this season (indeed I still see them as favourites...). The big problem the Crusaders have is that they have had probably better sides over the last couple of seasons, but have failed to get over the final hurdle/s and actually win the ***le. It will probably be harder without McCaw for most of the season, and Carter getting ever more injury prone. The Crusaders propping stocks are looking a bit thin this season, which could be a bit of a concern. Apart from that I can't see many weaknesses. I would say the Crusaders are stillprobably still getting at least as much young talent as any other franchise, though mainly in the forwards. The likes of Nepo Laulala, Dom Bird, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, and Johnny McNicholl are all very promising young players who will form the backbone of the Crusaders (and quite possibly even the All Blacks) in the future. I'm predicting McNicholl will make a big impact this season, but the likes of Bird, Tupou, Whitelock and Taufua may have to wait a season or two to really stamp their mark on Super Rugby due to the depth the Crusaders have in their locks/loosies. [/QUOTE]
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