Blues vs Crusaders MATCH THREAD Sunday August 16

[FujiKiwi]

WHEN:
Sunday August 16th

KICK OFF:
Local - 3:35 pm NZ

WHERE:
Auckland, NZ



VENUE

Eden Park




MATCH OFFICIALS:

TBD

TEAMS:



TBD



TBD

[FujiKiwi]

Even with the trophy deservedly in the Crusaders' hands, this is still shaping up to be a great game to end the season.

[Caley_Red]

Yeah, could be game of the tournie thus far!

Would like to see the Blues win, it's good to have them back as a force after many years of lackluster SR performance.

[FujiKiwi]

Yeah, could be game of the tournie thus far!

Would like to see the Blues win, it's good to have them back as a force after many years of lackluster SR performance.

Welcome to the Blues Brothers, C-Red.

[Carter's Choice]

I'd love for this match to the game of the season. I'd love for it to be the spectacle that the sellout crowd want and deserve. But sadly I don't think it will be. The Crusaders have secured the title, and it would be impossible to expect them to be 'up' for this match. In contrast the Blues are fresh after a week's rest and will be wanting to prove themselves against the competition winners. I think the Blues would have won this contest even if the title was still up for grabs, but now that the Crusaders have nothing to pay for, I expect the Blues to win this match comfortably.

[Ymx]

I strongly doubt this match will be taken lightly.

Robertson and Whitelock will not want finish the season losing the last one.

[Caley_Red]

Yeah, could be game of the tournie thus far!

Would like to see the Blues win, it's good to have them back as a force after many years of lackluster SR performance.

Welcome to the Blues Brothers, C-Red.

Given your avatar, I was never in doubt about your allegiances

[FujiKiwi]

An over-the-top, fawning article on Scott Robertson in Stuff today:

Scott Robertson exterminates remaining detractors after passing biggest test

OPINION: If Crusaders coach Scott Robertson hasn't exterminated his remaining detractors he perhaps never will.

Strolling around Orangetheory Stadium on Sunday evening, holding up four fingers – one for each of the titles he’s won since taking over as coach in 2017 – must have been mighty satisfying for the man overlooked as All Blacks coach eight months ago.

And don’t believe for a minute Robertson didn't take extra pleasure in becoming the first coach to win four straight Super titles, all while All Blacks coach Ian Foster watched from the stands as the Crusaders sealed the deal with a 32-22 win against the Highlanders.

Robertson had passed his biggest test, even bigger than in 2017, when the Crusaders were forced to travel to Johannesburg and beat the Lions in the decider at altitude in front of 62,000 fans.

Because this was the year some claimed the Crusaders would be ripe for the picking.

After all, more than 1000 caps departed after they marched to a third title in as many seasons last year.

Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Owen Franks, Ryan Crotty, Jordan Taufua - gone. Six others, including the retired Israel Dagg (89 caps) and midfielder Tim Bateman (50), also gone.

The old chestnut - anyone could coach the Crusaders with that roster – was brandished by doubters between 2017-19.

Never mind the fact Robertson's predecessor, Todd Blackadder, failed to win a title with an All Black-laden squad between 2009-16.

The fourth finger on Robertson's hand was for the detractors.

The Crusaders didn't just overcome a mass exodus, they also played the entire test match-like Super Rugby Aotearoa competition without captain Scott Barrett, one of the country’s best locks, due to a foot injury.

Utility David Havili (thumb) and flankers Ethan Blackadder (knee) and Cullen Grace (thumb) have also missed much of the competition.

Up stepped the likes of lock Mitch Dunshea and loose forwards Tom Sanders, Tom Christie and Sione Havili, a violent runner who reminds Robertson of Taufua.

When centre Braydon Ennor missed two matches with a foot injury, Robertson entrusted rookie Fetuli Paea.

The Crusaders always knew a mass exodus was coming after the 2019 season, prompting Robertson and general manager for professional rugby Angus Gardiner to start planning for the day in 2017.

“Obviously, myself and Angus Gardiner do a lot of work behind the scenes on our contracting. He's exceptional at it, and we knew this year was going to be a year for us to bring some young guys through," Robertson said in February.

Kudos must also go to his assistant coaches, a group which includes newcomers Scott Hansen and Welshman Mark Jones, replacements for Brad Mooar and Ronan O’Gara.

Forwards coach Jason Ryan has been there every step of the way, while Tasman head coach Andrew Goodman was promoted to coach the backs this season.

With a game left to play in Robertson’s fourth year in charge, his record reads: 59 wins, three draws (includes a cancelled game) and seven losses. The Crusaders are 11-2 this year, pre and post Covid-19.

As for head-to-head wins against fellow Kiwi teams, the surf-loving Razor boasts a 30-6 record.

Even when they’re off their game, as was the case against the Highlanders, they outscored their opponents four tries to three and amassed 32 points.

Indeed, his remarkable success will continue to raise the question: did the panel get it wrong by appointing Foster as Steve Hansen’s replacement?

Who knows. But the Crusaders are clearly the big winners from the decision.

Robertson still has another year on his contract, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he turns down overseas offers and extends his contract further, given the havoc Covid-19 is causing around the globe.

Regardless, it would take a brave soul to bet against Robertson extending five digits next season.

Source: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/sup ... ggest-test

Robertson is a fine coach, and may even deserve to be front runner at this stage for next AB coach. But this article overstates a few things.

1) People who qualify their praise for Robertson are not "detractors".
2) There's too much focus on who the Crusaders lost in 2017 (and again in 2020), and not enough on who they still have.
3) The article wants to have its cake and eat it, too. Praising the Saders to the high heavens for carrying on after losing big names, but admitting that the replacements aren't half bad "Up stepped...Sione Havili, a violent runner who reminds Robertson of Taufua."

Let's acknowledge Robertson and the Crusaders' achievements without throwing all critical thinking and measured judgment out the door.

All the more reason to hope for a Blues win this weekend, as maybe some of the media's overheated histrionics will be checked?

[Carter's Choice]

All the more reason to hope for a Blues win this weekend, as maybe some of the media's overheated histrionics will be checked?

Why would the result of a dead rubber match 'check' anything? I'd prefer to focus on Robertson's four SR titles and 3 provincial titles, rather than obsess over a meaningless friendly.

[FujiKiwi]

On reflection a Blues win won’t bring any more nuanced appraisals of Robertson’s performance. Also, on reflection, it’s not the end of the world for the likes of AC or the writer of that article to go overboard with the Razor worship. Why wouldn’t they?

I, for one, will be tuning in with great interest to the “meaningless friendly”. I’m sure AC will just go fishing or something.

[Monkey Magic]

Crusaders showing the respect they have for this game by smashing the trophy within 48hrs.

All to play for this weekend...

[Akkerman]

I hear Auckland is going back into lockdown, will the game go on with spectators ?

[Ymx]

Yes. What’s the current situation?

Feels like an extreme reaction to threaten a mega close down.

[JPNZ]

Yes. What’s the current situation?

Feels like an extreme reaction to threaten a mega close down.

This game will be pulled. Crusaders are not flying into Auckland and I don't blame them. Under level 3 all air travel unless essential is ruled out and level 3 (ends but it will be extended) midnight on Friday.

Lucky the championship is already decided

[Gumboot]

Yes. What’s the current situation?

Feels like an extreme reaction to threaten a mega close down.

This game will be pulled. Crusaders are not flying into Auckland and I don't blame them. Under level 3 all air travel unless essential is ruled out and level 3 (ends but it will be extended) midnight on Friday.

Lucky the championship is already decided

Yep, sad end to the comp but as you say at least there's a clear winner.

[Gumboot]

NZR will make a call on this weekend's games tomorrow. Can't see them going ahead, tbh.

The North-South game's probably toast as well.

Edit: sounds like the Highlanders - Canes game may happen, with crowd restrictions.

[FujiKiwi]

Yeah, it's ending on a bit of a disappointing note, but the whole season was such a bonus anyway, and lots of memorable rugby played, with some good new names coming through.

[Gumboot]

Yeah, it's ending on a bit of a disappointing note, but the whole season was such a bonus anyway, and lots of memorable rugby played, with some good new names coming through.

Fully. That may be the end of pro rugby for the year but it was bloody good while it lasted.

[Caley_Red]

Definitely been a great tournie.

Any emerging ABs from it?

Although my selection is entirely biased by the sample of games I watched, I was very impressed with the following: Pari Parkinson, Will Jordan, Finlay Christie and Sotutu

[Carter's Choice]

Definitely been a great tournie.

Any emerging ABs from it?

Although my selection is entirely biased by the sample of games I watched, I was very impressed with the following: Pari Parkinson, Will Jordan, Finlay Christie and Sotutu

I think PPP is locked in if we select 4 locks. He has the form and the frame to suggest he is a test standard lock. Will Jordan will be there abouts, but wing and fullback are very crowded. Hoskins Sotutu was the form loose forward in the comp until he got injured. Not sure Christie has done enough yet given the current depth we have at 9.

[FujiKiwi]

Shannon Frizell was great, for my money, as were Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and Dalton Papalii. With Sotutu injured, that's the form loose forward trio in the country.

[Gumboot]

Definitely been a great tournie.

Any emerging ABs from it?

Although my selection is entirely biased by the sample of games I watched, I was very impressed with the following: Pari Parkinson, Will Jordan, Finlay Christie and Sotutu

Yep, they've all been very good. Other uncapped players to impress have been Lachlan Boshier, Caleb Clarke, Quinten Strange and Cullen Grace (before he got injured).

It was also good to watch the progress of newbies who already have a few caps, like Frizell (player of the comp for mine), Bridge, Reece, Jordie Barrett, Papalii, Lomax, Aumua, and dare I say it, Akira Ioane.

Shame we don't have anyone to play right now.

[Ymx]

Frizell definitely put his hand up. But there’s just so much comp in the loosies right now.

Not sure they’ll get to play anyone at Intl level, but can only hope

Any updates as to whether it’s going ahead with ltd crowd or otherwise.

[Gumboot]

The status of the match will be determined by the alert level announcement by the Prime Minister at 5.30pm on Friday.

The match will ONLY proceed this weekend if the alert level shifts to Level 1 or Level 2.

If this is the case, the Blues will announce their team at approximately 6pm on Friday, along with a general release about the status of the match and media attendance.

https://www.superrugby.co.nz/news/blues ... gust-2020/

I understand them wanting to wait for the PM's announcement, but realistically with more cases found today what chance is there of the level changing to 1 or 2? Doesn't leave travelling supporters much time to change/cancel flight and hotel bookings if needed.

[JPNZ]

This match is done for. The North South match is next on the block. I cant see Auckland being out of L3/L4 in less than 2 weeks time

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

This match is done for. The North South match is next on the block. I cant see Auckland being out of L3/L4 in less than 2 weeks time

Shit can the Eden Park aspect (Play it in Dunedin) and replace the Auckland players who can't get out.

Then North vs South can still go ahead.

[wet-socks]

Why is there a thread for this - but none for Hurricanes vs Highlanders? Because that's the only one with any chance of going ahead.

[FujiKiwi]

Why is there a thread for this - but none for Hurricanes vs Highlanders? Because that's the only one with any chance of going ahead.

Prior to the latest PR freeze, we didn’t have a whole lot of thread makers here on NPR. I’d make the Blues threads and YMX the Crusaders ones. Eventually I think YMX would have gotten round to making one for that match. But is there any point now?

[Caley_Red]

Why is there a thread for this - but none for Hurricanes vs Highlanders? Because that's the only one with any chance of going ahead.

Nothing stopping you

Is it 5:30pm NZ time we find out whether this game is going ahead?

[Gumboot]

Is it 5:30pm NZ time we find out whether this game is going ahead?

The PM's press conference is at 5:30 but I think I read that RNZ will make the call on both games at 6.

[Gumboot]

This game has been cancelled.

BUT tomorrow's game is going ahead without a crowd - kick off has been brought forward to 3:05pm NZT.

[Ymx]

Such a shame. This was the game of the season.

I will happily produce a game thread if a home or even away team supporter wants me to. Let me know.

[wet-socks]

Such a shame. This was the game of the season.

I will happily produce a game thread if a home or even away team supporter wants me to. Let me know.

I just heard on the news they might re-schedule it for some date later in the year.

In the meantime, I guess that Highlanders Hurricanes thread is good to go?

[booji boy]

Watching Razor on the news he gave the impression they were taking this game seriously and wanted to go to Auckland and win. Such a shame it won't go ahead. A fine day, an afternoon kick off, might have been a great game and a great occasion. Oh well, congratulations Crusaders on another great year, see you next season.

[Jb1981]

I don’t see any point in rescheduling. As much as it could be a great game, we are at the end of the season. The teams are about to disperse and it might as well be an exhibition game if they were brought back together.

[Gumboot]

In the meantime, I guess that Highlanders Hurricanes thread is good to go?

They have to play Sweet Caroline over the PA, just for the craig.

[booji boy]

I don’t see any point in rescheduling. As much as it could be a great game, we are at the end of the season. The teams are about to disperse and it might as well be an exhibition game if they were brought back together.

Yeah agreed. Pointless.

[Auckman]

I heard today the NPC is still going ahead. Should things get back to level one by then (still up in the air) Auckland v Canterbury at full-strength might well draw a reasonable crowd to Eden Park.

[Gumboot]

I heard today the NPC is still going ahead. Should things get back to level one by then (still up in the air) Auckland v Canterbury at full-strength might well draw a reasonable crowd to Eden Park.

That would be great. Fingers crossed.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Good to see the Heartland unions have all arranged 4-6 game mini seasons for themselves as well.

That's great for our player development from the small unions.