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Crusaders vs Blues highlights: Super Rugby scores, blog, videos

Roar Guru
4th March, 2016
When: 5:35pm AEST
Where: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
TV: Live, Fox Sports
Betting: Crusaders $1.50, Blues $2.65

Crusaders
1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Owen Franks
4. Scott Barrett
5. Samuel Whitelock (C)
6. Jordan Taufua
7. Tim Boys
8. Kieran Read
9. Andy Ellis
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Kieron Fonotia
13. Sean Wainui
14. Jone Macilai
15. David Havili
Reserves
16. Ben Funnell
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Mike Alaalatoa
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Pete Samu
21. Leon Fukofuka
22. Ben Volavola
23. Johnny McNicholl

Blues
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Quentin MacDonald, Sione Mafileo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Jerome Kaino (C), Blake Gibson, Steven Luatua; Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan, Tevita Li, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Melani Nanai, Matt Duffie
Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Charlie Faumuina, Akira Ioane, Kara Pryor, Bryn Hall, Ihaia West, Male Sa’u
The Crusaders should have no problem overcoming the Blues in Round 14. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Roar Guru
4th March, 2016
179
4698 Reads

The Crusaders are looking to bounce back from their opening round loss when they host the Blues, who beat the defending champions in their first game of the season. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:35pm (AEDT).

In the perfect start for new coach Tana Umaga, the Blues kicked off the season by beating the Highlanders at Eden Park.

However, despite the win, Umaga has made six changes to last week’s side.

Promising pairing Bryn Hall and Ihaia West are on the bench, replaced with halfback Billy Guyton and former Melbourne Storm junior Matt McGahan, who will have the responsibility of guiding the team.

Blues captain Jerome Kaino returns to boost their pack, while hooker Quentin MacDonald comes in for last week’s stand-in skipper James Parsons. Rene Ranger will also start the game, for Japanese international Male Sa’u, and Matt Duffie replaces Lolagi Visinia at fullback.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has named the same 15 that played in last week’s loss to the Chiefs. There is one change to the bench, with back-rower Pete Samu replacing Reed Prinsep, who was concussed in the season opener.

Despite the loss, Blackadder felt there wasn’t too much wrong with the performance.

“We actually felt really pleased with the team’s performance,” he said.

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“The physicality and intent they showed for most of the game was fantastic, and we felt that we were dominant in many respects for a good portion of that game.

“That is what makes the loss even more frustrating for the players though.”

Prediction
The Crusaders haven’t won a game in the opening round of Super Rugby since 2012, but they should bounce back against a Blues side that hasn’t won in Christchurch for 12 years.

Crusaders by 9

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