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Barrett: Coles' antics a 'timely lesson' ahead of Blues bad blood

Scott Barrett of the Crusaders is tackled hard by Hoskins Sotutu of the Blues during the round 12 Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and Blues at Orangetheory Stadium, on May 13, 2023, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Peter Meecham/Getty Images)

Dane Coles’ charm got the better of the Crusaders in the final game of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season. The All Black’s confrontation with old friend Codie Taylor was a turning point in the match and left a blemish on the Crusaders’ resolute mindset.

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Coach Scott Robertson isn’t one to let the same mistake happen twice, and his captain Scott Barrett is anticipating having to tap into the mental fortitude when the defending champions take the field against their familiar rivals the Blues on Friday night.

The Blues have more than the season to play for, with history overwhelmingly in favour of the Canterbury side at home and plenty of close encounters leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of the Aucklanders.

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“I’m licking my lips at the confrontation with the forwards,” Dalton Papali’i said of the contest.

“They’ve got a lot of talent and so do we. We’re hungry for it and can’t wait for it.”

The message had been heard loud and clear by the Crusaders, Barrett told media Friday morning he was expecting some words to be said and some ribs to be tickled once the 80 minutes got underway.

“Teams want to take you off your game and distract you and divert you from what’s actually needed,” he said.

“That (Hurricanes game) was quite a timely lesson heading into finals.

“The Blues are certainly going to show up with physicality, possibly niggle and possibly a bit of chat so we got to be prepared for that.”

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Looking to add to their run of six titles in as many years, the Crusaders aren’t letting their injury toll distract from the task at hand. Instead, focussing on the fact that they have managed to field the same starting XV for the semi-final as they did in the quarter-final.

No stranger to the big moments at the pointy end of the season, Barrett was singing a familiar tune when answering what it would take to win the game.

“The moments become bigger with finals footy… the microscope comes out on small moments within a game that will have a big impact.

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“It’s critical for us to be on song from the first whistle.”

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Soliloquin 1 hour ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

For Fischer, many people in France are still doubting him - it’s the first time he has a full season (31 games). Before, he was always injured at some point. He’s 27, so not the youngest, and you have a younger Boudehent or Jégou behind.

His physicality is incredible, but he didn’t prove he’s got hands. He just proved he was able to defend like a beast.

But you know, even Cros has improved his handling skills lately, so it’s never too late!

And he will play the Champions Cup with a solid Bayonne side, so let’s see!


I don’t agree with ‘only Fischer’: Brennan proved he’s a great 4/7 utility player, and Galthié likes those very much (Woki or Flament). He’s 23, playing for Toulouse with high concurrence, so the prospect is good. I rate him higher than Auradou, who had a few games in the 6 Nations.

For Depoortère, he had a more silent season than the previous one - injured at the worst moment during the Autumn Tests series - but came back strong with a Champions Cup and a solid partnership with Moefana. What could save him would be to start playing as a 12 when Moefana isn’t there, bulking up and become the new Jauzion.

But he’s 22 and an incredible talent at 13. His height makes me think he had more potential than your fan favorite Costes or the utility player that is Gailleton.


As for Montagne or Mallez, with the lack of quality in props, they could find a spot!

Especially Mallez who’s got a good spot to get behind Baille at Toulouse. Neti isn’t the youngest and hasn’t an international level.


And again, as Ugo Mola said, you never play with your best team.

So 30-32 player is more of a 38-40, so you need back-ups.

France knows very well how useful they can be during RWCs.

236 Go to comments
S
Soliloquin 1 hour ago
Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

Hastoy was a good prospect before the 2023 RWC, he was the fly-half who led La Rochelle to the victory in the Champions Cup final in Dublin against Leinster.

But he made it to the squad only because Ntamack got his ACL.

He played against Uruguay, which a terribly poor game by the French side, and since then he declined a bit, alongside his club.

Under the pressure of Reus and West at 10, he regained some credit at the end of the season (among all a drop at the 81st minute of a game).

He’s quite good everywhere, but not outstanding.

He doesn’t have the nerves, the defense and the tactical brain of Ntamack, the leadership and the creativity of Ramos or the exceptional attacking skills of Jalibert.


I really hope that:

-Ntamack will get his knee back. The surgery went well. He wasn’t the most elusive player in the world, but he was capable of amazing rushes like the one against NZ in 2021 or the Brennus-winning try in 2023.

-Jalibert will continue to improve his defense. He started working hard since March (after his defensive disaster against England) with a XIII specialist, and I’ve seen great moments, especially against Ntamack in the SF of the Champions Cup. It’s never too late. And it would be a great signal for Galthié.

-Hastoy will build up his partnership with Le Garrec, that La Rochelle will start a new phase with them and Niniashvili, Alldritt, Atonio, Boudehent, Jegou, Bosmorin, Bourgarit, Nowell, Wardi, Daunivucu, Kaddouri, Pacôme…

236 Go to comments
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