Crusaders vs Chiefs: MATCH THREAD: Napier - 2011R14

[Scotty]

On paper they look handy. But last week they looked so fatigued against the Cheetahs that they could barely fire a shot. I'm not giving this result up just yet, but my head says the Chiefs by around 10 points.

Their fatigue might actually be better this week. The Stormers game was probably the thing that took it out of them against the Cheetahs than the travel, so they might actually (strangely) be fresher this week.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Their fatigue might actually be better this week. The Stormers game was probably the thing that took it out of them against the Cheetahs than the travel, so they might actually (strangely) be fresher this week.

True, and they aren't playing at altitude like they were in Bloemfontein. In saying that, it's a hell of a flight back from South Africa to NZ, and then back on a plane again on Froday for a Saturday match in Napier.

 

[PaarlBok]

Playing at the real Bays home may fit the Chiefs well. Pretty stupid decision from the Saders to play there with all this travelling they have to do.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Playing at the real Bays home may fit the Chiefs well. Pretty stupid decision from the Saders to play there with all this travelling they have to do.

The local council gave them the use of the ground in Napier for free. Any profits made from ticket sales will go straight to the Crusaders, which given their woes this season is a god-send. Given that any venue would be a plane trip or at least a decent bus trip (Timaru) away I think your comment labelling them "stupid" is very harsh.

 

[PaarlBok]

The local council gave them the use of the ground in Napier for free. Any profits made from ticket sales will go straight to the Crusaders, which given their woes this season is a god-send. Given that any venue would be a plane trip or at least a decent bus trip (Timaru) away I think your comment labelling them "stupid" is very harsh.

Maybe harsh but was more thinking about the supporting lines. Pretty sure they have more support at Newlands as to the amount of people going to this one. Chiefs wont mind this.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Maybe harsh but was more thinking about the supporting lines. Pretty sure they have more support at Newlands as to the amount of people going to this one. Chiefs wont mind this.

The Crusaders are facing a very tough task financially, as is to be expected from any team that is unable to play any home matches for an entire season despite presumably still paying its rent at AMI stadium. However, given this is a Crusaders home game, and the Crusaders boast local boys Zac Guildford and Izzy Dagg (not playing), I think you might surpised how much support there is for the Crusaders. Napier residents know that the only reason this match is here is because the Crusaders have chosen to bring it. The Chiefs have never hosted a match in Napier. However, I concede there will be an element of travelling Chiefs fans.

 

[PaarlBok]

The Crusaders are facing a very tough task financially, as is to be expected from any team that is unable to play any home matches for an entire season despite presumably still paying its rent at AMI stadium. However, given this is a Crusaders home game, and the Crusaders boast local boys Zac Guildford and Izzy Dagg (not playing), I think you might surpised how much support there is for the Crusaders. Napier residents know that the only reason this match is here is because the Crusaders have chosen to bring it. The Chiefs have never hosted a match in Napier. However, I concede there will be an element of travelling Chiefs fans.

Oom Enz told me Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo, Romana Graham are MagPiers? The real NZ supporter usually support their local boys maybe Napier is different then?

 

[Ali's Choice]

Oom Enz told me Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo, Romana Graham are MagPiers? The real NZ supporter usually support their local boys maybe Napier is different then?

Romona Graham dosen't play for the Magpies. At least he hasn't yet in his provincial career. I'd argue that Guildford and Dagg are slightly higher profile than Elliot and Taumalolo, but you seem to know all about 'real' NZ supporters and who they will support, so I'll take your word for it.

 

[Ali's Choice]

OP,

I'd also add that long time former Magpies first five Matt Berquist is on the Crusaders bench. And current Hawkes bay halfback Kahn Fotuali'i is a long time C rusaders squad member.

 

[PaarlBok]

OP,

I'd also add that long time former Magpies first five Matt Berquist is on the Crusaders bench. And current Hawkes bay halfback Kahn Fotuali'i is a long time C rusaders squad member.

Looks better now for the Saders, the real NZ rugby supporter is the one that rates NPC above the S15 as you should know. Pretty much like myself regarding CC rugby.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Looks better now for the Saders, the real NZ rugby supporter is the one that rates NPC above the S15 as you should know. Pretty much like myself regarding CC rugby.

I'd never attempt to preach to NZ rugby supporters which level of rugby they should support above another in order to be "real", but I'll take your word for it.

 

[Scotty]

I would hope they arent still paying rent to the stadium but would have many more additional costs including travel and reduced revenue from playing at smaller grounds.

 

[whatty]

Tough one to call but saders by 5.

 

[Ali's Choice]

I would hope they arent still paying rent to the stadium but would have many more additional costs including travel and reduced revenue from playing at smaller grounds.

I've heard that they are, but will find a link to confirm.

People forget that last year the Crusaders boasted the largest crowds of the NZ teams, with more than 20K per home game. And with SBW and Izzy Dagg, I'm pretty sure that our crowds would have been higher this season. We've been playing in Nelson and Timaru, with capacities of <10,000 and losing massive amounts of revenue.

 

[Nusadan]

The Crusaders have had the opportunity to move some, if not all matches, to other cities such as Wellington and Auckland to make use of the larger stadia there to garner higher revenues, but chose not to, apart from one game against the Hurricanes which was held in Wellington after all.

 

[Ali's Choice]

The Crusaders have had the opportunity to move some, if not all matches, to other cities such as Wellington and Auckland to make use of the larger stadia there to garner higher revenues, but chose not to, apart from one game against the Hurricanes which was held in Wellington after all.

Those grounds aren't free. And considering that the Canes are struggling to get decent crowds at their home games, what makes you think that Wellingtonians will flock to Crusaders games? Pretty sure the Crusaders are averaging bigger 'home' attendences even playing at the smaller grounds. Moreover, the Crusaders have tried to limit their already strenuous travel regime by playing matches as close to CHCH as possible, and at the same time take the game to the wider reaches of their region.

 

[O_fer_awesome]

Anyone know if Masaga is in or out? What injury he carrying?

 

[Ali's Choice]

Anyone know if Masaga is in or out? What injury he carrying?

He has not been named in the Chiefs 22, which is listed in the OP, being replaced by Nanai-Williams. Bt I'm not sure of the nature of his injury. I will try and find out and get back to you.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Yet another late injury for the Crusaders. Reserve hooker, and Tasman rake Quetnin Macdonald has hurt his back in training and will miss the Chiefs clash. He is to be replaced by Southland draft player David Hall.

Reserve hooker Quentin MacDonald has been ruled out of the Crusaders Super 15 rugby team to play the Chiefs in Napier tomorrow night after tweaking his back at training yesterday.

His position on the reserves bench will be taken by David Hall, his first involvement with the Crusaders match day squad.

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/5031738/Reserve-Crusaders-hooker-MacDonald-ruled-out

Without wanting to sound like a boring moaner, this injury situation is ridiculous.

 

[Lee Grant]

Excellent thread AC and that goes for your posts in it too.

I think that we on this side of the ditch have been in so much awe of the Crusaders for most of the professional era that we think they are Super men, but, like any other team, they suffer from adversity also.

Last week the Cheetahs played very well at altitude, at home, but even taking that into account, the Crusaders were listless in the 2nd half.

You couldn't blame them: they showed the effect of missing some fine players and had prevailed in a heroic manner in a high intensity, physical game against the Stormers the weekend before. Add in the consequences of the earthquake and being visitors even at "home" games and you have to think that the scales will tip against them eventually.

Maybe not though; maybe not. If they win this competition it will be one of the many great NZ rugby stories to be told to small children on their granddad's knee.

I have the feeling that the trip back to NZ from the RSA will be a tipping point against them in Napier, but would not be astonished if I am wrong.