Its a very settled starting lineup for the Crusaders. Donnelly did a decent job last week filling in for Romano, but Romano and S. Whitelock have played the majority of the season together and been in vey good form. S. Whitelock is probably our most important player because of his defensive lineout work and his tackle and breakdown workrate.
Would've liked to have seen Tupou or Donnelly on the bench but Blackadder has persisted and persisted with L. Whitelock all through the season - much to the chagrin of the Crusader faithful. He has played a little bit of lock at ITM level and filled in during this S15 campaign when substitiutes have been made, but its not ideal IMO. Perhaps Todd is banking on his AB duo to play the full 80 and a versatile player like Luke is insurance?
The front row is starting to work better together and Flynn needs to play a fair chunk of the game if not the full 80 because Funnell's throwing is very questionable. With Jaco reffing I think the scrums will be given a bit of time before penalties are handed out. Crockett will be under pressure, but he's played well since the France series.
The Crusader back row has worked well as a unit this season. there's been minimal disruptions and Matt Todd has grown an arm and leg since getting his first AB cap. Read has been up and down in form and I'm hoping he really steps it up and displays the sort of form that has had him touted as the best 8th man in world rugby. He won't want to be captain of a Sader side that loses a finals game on home soil......
Ellis and Carter have been around a long time. Early in the season when Carter was sidelined, Ellis was our best performed backline player. He took on the line more, his box kick was used to great effect, his passing to Bleyandall was crisp and his direction of the forwards was 2nd to none. Since Carter has come back his games have been a mixed bag, some excellent performances along with some less effective play. But against the Chiefs he was very good doing what he does best, playing close to the gain line. "Beans" play off the bench has been an impoortant factor in closing out some games last and this season.
Carter's tackiling and kicking IMO is what sets him apart from any other 1st 5. He is tackling more in the line and has text book technique - low and with the back bent. His sweeping left foot punts that travel consistently 45-50m take huge pressure off our forwards and no doubt this will be used on Saturday night.
Taylor/Crotty is the best midfield we can put out on the park. Even with a fit Fruean I prefer this duo - Fruean is a better winger than midfield. These two are honest footballers that toil all night and do the job they are asked of. There's nothing flash in either of them and neither have the ability to just turn a game, but Taylor will take some of the kicking pressure off Carter - allowing Dan to attack the line, and Crotty will if needed straighten the attack.
Dagg really needs a big game. He has the skill and ability to turn a game if required. But this season Dagg has been pretty easy to read as a footballer, insofar that i've known after about 5-10 minutes what sort of influence he is going to have. Step it up Izzy.
Predicted earlier that it should be a good tough game, but I cannot see this Crusader team losing a big game on home turf. Saders by 11
