Crusaders vs Waratahs: Super Rugby live scores, blog

I think DMac and Barrett was Fozzies original plan so be interesting who misses out of the two as you can’t start all three. But you’re right about Havili and there are a few Saders backs putting their hand up now. Reece, Bridge, Ennor, goodhue, and even Jordan. Backs are probably looking better than last year.

Nawaqanitawase... Bet that’ll be the most copy and pasted text for a while... :happy: was very good, has a good sniff for the try line. Solid runner but as PK mentions I think he lacks a bit of top line speed, Havili was it? gaining on him a bit too easily for his second. Could eventually be a fullback or even Centre with that power running. First I’ve seen him and at 19 just looks like one of those players that’s going places... fast. Been a while since oz rugby had one of those. Good to see.

Havili put in a very good all round performance, although his goal kicking from directly in front needs a bit of work. But his metres with ball in hand was inflated by lazy kick chase efforts by the entire Tahs team. Will Jordan was a beneficiary of this too. Good luck changing the Tahs attitude, Rob Penney.

Not that one Chukling

His issue there Paul was that rather than hold straight and commit a defender, he drifted to the wing then shovelled the ball, allowing the defender to easily slide off him. He then looked like he was blaming Mark for not finishing.

Pete: I watched Petaia closely for a few minutes and every time he got the ball he had no space or time, the Reds need to learn how to make the most of him. I think the Brumbies closed him down very well and that will be a good learning thing for him.

Pete, What I noticed about Nawaqanitawase was how hard he was breathing after his second try, for a youngster I am not sure he is fit enough yet? Will be handful if he can push the go peddle harder.

D: How did Harrison go? I had guests here and could only watch bits, enough to see they had brought last years suit with them. Simmonds as captain, did he step up or fall over?

One of the Aussie players I mean.

I think Petaia had a tough start. Very closely marked by a well drilled team. He looks like he just needs to play some rugby. I reckon he'll come good at OC.

I don’t think that JOC’s or even Naisarani’s international form was so dominant that they should start this year. Some stiff competition for the big body with Swinton and Valetini. I think JOC will ply well enough to make the 12 jersey his own though, even with some stiff competition from Hunt. JOC was very good on Friday. I actually think Petaia was one of the best players in virtually every match he played in the World Cup, both on the wing and at centre. I wouldn’t play him at fullback, but if he has a decent season at 13 this year I’d probably give him the nod on the wing after his World Cup performances.

I agree intl form counts for more. However to secure a spot it has to be good form over the year. The only players who rated well enough for me to ignore super rugby form i.e guranteed a start in July (ignoring illegible players o/s) are Hooper and Koroibete. Naisarani and JoC are borderline. JoC since he played 13 but is now being considered for 12. I do agree if Lucas plays 10 all year and Nawaqanitawase plays wing all year then neither should be f/b for the wallabies. Same with Petaia BTW if he doesn't play f/b in super rugby I wouldn't shift him for the wallabies there.

If Mounga is anointed as Fozzie's No 10, then we will certainly have a race for No 15 bearing down on Barrett and McKenzie because, I thought Havili, played an outstanding match once again. He just looks so silky and deceptive when he's running the ball back and leaves many defenders standing, with their hands in their pockets. I also liked the looks of Ennor so, his inside mate Goodhue, will likely have a contender for the ABs No13 jersey cos I'd say that ALB, has the No12 sewn up. I'm getting very worried about my Chiefs scrum after watching the Saders last night. Gees, its gonna be a tough game if they get shunted like they did, by the Blues. My prayers have already started.....like 2, 4, 6, 8 hog in don't wait..Amen. Oh hang on a minute, that's a prayer before eating.

It is the first match of the season. I don't think we can draw too many conclusions about the form and ability of players just yet. I'd say Petaia is more rounded on the wing than Banks is. Petaia played fullback growing up, is solid under the high ball and is certainly better defensively than Banks (and Nawaqanitawase from what I saw last night). Also, you're the one who always says that international form matters more than super form. Petaia played well on the wing in the World Cup. Mortlock played wing for the Wallabies in the early 2000s, despite playing outside centre at the Brumbies. Sure. But if Nawaqanitawase plays wing all year and Banks plays fullback, I still don't think you should switch them. Nawaqanitawase will not have practiced fullback either defensively or positionally all year. What you say makes sense in some ways, but you're complicating things. If, after the super season Banks has played well at fullback and Nawaqanitawase has played well on the wing, it is risky to swap them. Better to let the form players play the positions they played well in.

Petaia didn't play that well for the reds. He misses too many tackles at 13 and how could he be picked for wing if he plays 13 all year especially when other players have a more rounded game for wing like Banks and Nawaqanitawase. Banks has greater speed than Nawaqanitawase and I prefer real speedsters where possible on the wing. Nawaqanitawase is better in the air as shown on all the kick returns so is better than Banks at f/b for that aspect.

didn't put there best pack on the park and took there best players off or they would have cracked 50 easy

For this year? If Nawaqanitawase plays all season on the wing then I find it hard to see him playing fullback for the Wallabies, although I can see Banks at fullback and Nawaqanitawase on the wing. Where does they leave Petaia though? If Nawaqanitawase plays fullback this year though then I can certainly see that as a possible outcome.

I would have Nawaqanitawase as a more likely fullback than Lucas. The incumbent DHP didn't go that well. Banks and Koroibete as the wings.

Lucas may well end up a fullback yet! Harrison and Lolesio can battle, with one going on the bench :stoked:

BiB Was this a test match? Which national side did they (you know, them in black) just play?