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.
“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
In brief
Guest
guess that's happens when you win one week and then completely change the winning line up the next
Taylorman
Guest
Horrible game with a lot of mistakes. After last weeks match with the Saders and the starting selections I could just feel the Saders pack were going to be the difference here. So they were. Blues hung in there but soooo looked like the Blues we are used to. Error ridden, 50/50s, under pressure. Tough year ahead...
Brett McKay
Expert
I think I speak for a lot of people when I say it won't happen again for a while, RT... :mad:
ThePope
Roar Rookie
Hey, how did you see this? I have JSky Sports and according to the guide it wasn't shown.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
That has now changed...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks Brent but not unlucky mate... Saders, too strong and technically superior in the set pieces. 2nd half for Blues was much better after Tana Umaga emptied his bench. BUT, the Blues are a very young inexperienced team (showed often) so they have a lot of improvement in them and they will be a lot harder to beat in Auckland! . ...
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Cheers guys, unlucky RT, your side's defence were solid though considering the amount of work required.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yep DaniE ... to be honest for all my bravado, my pick was from the heart not the head.. but thanks for the moral support! *pssst ... we need it!*
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Bit early yet sides have to settle and I think there will be a few mismatch results for first 3/4 weeks
DaniE
Roar Guru
I picked them too... had such high hopes! Long season though RT
Lostintokyo
Guest
The Kiwi and Australian conferences will be more even this year me thinks.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Lost... you didn't want to see it unless your interest was in a one sided set piece encounter... The Crusaders based on territory, possession and dominance should have won by plenty more than they did. And Yes Brent's a great blogger... accurate and precise
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks mate, g'luck for tomorrow..
Lostintokyo
Guest
Good call Brent. Could not see the game but had a good idea of what was happening. Thanks
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Congratulations Crusaders supporters... too good, too strong .. the Master and the Apprentice..
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'Full Time - Crusaders 28 vs Blues 13 Strong win from the Crusaders who dominated possession and field position, they ran out comfortable 15 point winners against the Blues who struggled to get into the rhythm of the game. Their scrum was also dominated and a number of silly errors really hurt their chances tonight, they return back to Eden Park next week looking to bounce back, as for the Crusaders they will now go into the bye in good spirits, with a number of players to comeback into this side, they look like they have gotten their season back on track.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
It's all Brett McKay's fault - he jinxed the Blues by picking them
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Thanks Brent ... good stuff
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Oh well all I can say, after this game, ignoring bonus points, of all matches played, right at this moment, the Blues are equal TOP of the ladder... NO OTHER S18 sides have won more matches in 2016 ... *S*
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'80 Crusaders 28 vs Blues 13 Mo'unga converts and that will be game!