Crusaders squad dissection:

Even tough the Crusaders have lost allot of their All Blacks ( Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Israel Dagg, and Ryan Crotty) They are still “and it kills me to say this” my favorites to win the trophy. They stil have inb their ranks players like ( Scott Barrett, Joe Moody, Luke Romano, Codie Taylor,George Bridge, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Richie Mo’unga, Sevu Reece). The only thing I think other players can exploit is the lack of experience in their pack. Most of the All Blacks still in the squad is in the backline so look for teams to take them on at the front. It is not as if they have a weak pack, but their pack is not as strong as their backline.

Players to look out for:

Richie Mo’unga: This flyhalf that took the world buy storm even moved the best rugby player out of his favored position. Yes I believe it was because of the form that he showed during last year supper rugby that made him get selected before Ben Smith. Thereby moving Barrett to fulback in the world cup. If he is on form it motivates the whole team to play better although he is not the captain he is the general on the field.

Scott Barrett: He has been given the captain armband this season. It would be interesting to see how he plays this year, If he decides to fill Sam Whitelock’s shoes and do the donkey work, or if he is still going to play more as a flanker in the number 4 jersey. If he keeps playing the same he still might look good on the field and shine but then one of the newbies will have to do the donkey work. It would be a make or break situation for the team.

Sevu Reece: Wel last year we saw this small little wing bump the Lions and Springbok flanker Kwaga Smit. Yes he is fast and yes he is elusive bat man the most impressive thing of this young player is his power. He is the living embodiment of the saying dynamite comes in small packages. If i was a betting man i would put my money on him for top try scorer.

New Signings:

 George Bower (Prop), Tom Christie (Flanker), Cullen Grace (Lock), Sione Havili (Flanker), Brodie McAlister (Hooker), Ethan Roots (Flanker), Isi Tuungafasi (Prop), Fergus Burke (Flyhalf), Inga Finau (Center), Dallas McLeod (Center), Fetuli Paea (Utility back).

Players that left:

Owen Franks, Tim Perry,  Ben Funnell, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd, Mitchell Hunt, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, Ngane Punivai, Israel Dagg.