Crusaders v Western Force 15 March 2025

[todd4]

we have 2 locks on the bench but no backrowers. You'd think Swain and Williams would be two you would want to get plenty of minutes out of in this game. I know Williams could play 6 but what if Kane went down?

[Tazzmania]

Unfortunately with NCdC, Tizzano and Ekuasi not availaible for this game, not many options other than to play four "locks". Josh Thompson is on the smaller side of locks and was signed up as lock / 6, so he is the likely cover

[James]

Jeremy Williams could handle 6 or 8 at a push. Likewise Princep at 7.

[Leo86]

At first I was concerned. Then thinking about travel, Wallaby resting protocol, general resting of players. I can see the merit.

Regarding starting and bench

1. No issue
2. No issue
3. No issue
4. No issue
5. No issue
6. No issue (Williams /Thompson cover)
7. If Koteka is at his best then I'm bloody excited. Fingers crossed
8. Princep is a machine, but full 80... bit of shuffling maybe required.
9. I see IFL playing big minutes
10. Not Donno but I do like Burey and interested to see what he makes of this opportunity. High minutes again, I don't know much about Miln.
11. Poolman has looked good but put something sticky on his hands
12. Not sure if Pasitoa will defend as well as Stewart but no issue
13. No issue
14. No issue
15. No issue

Tight 5 is good
Forwards are good - Fatigue main concern
Backs ok, a bit of experience required or stepping up.

And with Barrett copping a red card, we should be ok.

[Garry Owen]

At first I was concerned. Then thinking about travel, Wallaby resting protocol, general resting of players. I can see the merit.

Regarding starting and bench

1. No issue
2. No issue
3. No issue
4. No issue
5. No issue
6. No issue (Williams /Thompson cover)
7. If Koteka is at his best then I'm bloody excited. Fingers crossed
8. Princep is a machine, but full 80... bit of shuffling maybe required.
9. I see IFL playing big minutes
10. Not Donno but I do like Burey and interested to see what he makes of this opportunity. High minutes again, I don't know much about Miln.
11. Poolman has looked good but put something sticky on his hands
12. Not sure if Pasitoa will defend as well as Stewart but no issue
13. No issue
14. No issue
15. No issue

Tight 5 is good
Forwards are good - Fatigue main concern
Backs ok, a bit of experience required or stepping up.

And with Barrett copping a red card, we should be ok.

Yes the concerns are more in the backs, burey at 10, poolman on the wing and the new center combo. If burey and Pasitoa don’t defend well then Jordan and co could do some serious damage

[Valz]

Yes but…………….it’s Damon Murphy.

[andrewM]

Omg..Damon Murphy has his eyes open this week?

[andrewM]

Those kicks have just a bit too much weight on them

[andrewM]

Good to see we are making the crusaders work for their points, keep it up

[Jules]

Was just thinking defence looks ok. 🙄

[shasta]

Nice play there. Great hands!!

[andrewM]

Woohoo!!

[James]

Good game so far. So much better watching than against the Tahs.

[James]

Our defence needs work.

[shasta]

Saders should have had one try taken off them. You can go shoulder to shoulder but push off the ball is a penalty.