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Defending champs name strong squad for 2018
By Richard North
Defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders have named seven new caps, including the son of a former captain and coach, among a squad of familiar names for their 2018 campaign.
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22 year-old Ethan Blackadder, son of Canterbury and Crusaders stalwart Todd, joins dynamic New Zealand under-20 representatives Will Jordan and Braydon Ennor, veteran Mike Delany, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon and Jack Stratton in the squad.
Another relative veteran, midfielder Tim Bateman, has re-signed for the 2018 season and will play alongside All Blacks Ryan Crotty, Richie Mo'unga, Jack Goodhue and David Havili.
In the forwards, Kieran Read, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Luke Romano, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock give this Crusaders a very familiar All Black vibe.
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But it's the newer members of the squad that will have Canterbury fans looking forward to another season of Super dominance. Blackadder, for instance, earns his place after a strong season with the Mitre 10 Cup runners-up Tasman where he cemented a starting spot in the team. Similarly, Jack Stratton has been strong for Canterbury and, alongside the likes of George Bridge, will be looking to emulate Jack Goodhue whose 2017 efforts saw him called up to the All Blacks.
Last but not least, it's great to see Israel Dagg back for another season in red-and-black after a long injury break. Crusaders fans and his younger teammates will be looking to him for leadership and experience as they kick off against the Chiefs on 24 February.
2018 Crusaders Squad:
Forwards: Michael Alaalatoa, Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder, Wyatt Crockett, MItchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Billy Harmon, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Peter Samu, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock.
Backs: Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mike Delany, Mitchell Drummond, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan, Jone Macilai, Manasa Mataele, Richie Mo'unga, Jack Stratton, Seta Tamanivalu.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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