Thursday, March 10, 2011

Crusaders v Brumbies (Super Rugby 2011. Day 4)

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-match-preview/crusaders-v-brumbies-20110310-1bpgn.html March 10, 2011 - 7:30PM

Trafalgar Park, Nelson, Friday 5.35pm (AEDT)
Last meeting: Crusaders 40 Brumbies 22, May 14, 2010
Referee: Garratt Williamson (NZ)

Greg Growden writes: The anguish won't end for the Brumbies in Nelson. The Crusaders are in their stride, the Brumbies have lost their way, and if they don't get their act together soon, will lose their fans as well. Even Brumby Jack, who damaged his fetlock last week, is unavailable.

AAP writes: Things aren't looking much brighter for the bumbling Brumbies, with the Crusaders coming off a win against title wannabes the Waratahs. It is hard to say how much emotion played in the Crusaders first match since the devastation of the earthquake in their home town, but they showed they're contenders.

Despite their second successive loss the Brumbies outscored the Reds four tries to one, however Dan Carter will be licking his lips if they gift him seven penalties like they did the Queenslanders. The ACT side haven't beaten the Crusaders in New Zealand since 2000 and with Sonny Bill Williams adding another dimension in attack, it's a drought that doesn't look like it will be broken this weekend.

CRUSADERS: Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Adam Whitelock, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Chris Jack, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn, Jonathan Poff, Willi Heinz, Matt Berquist, Tom Marshall.

BRUMBIES: Pat McCabe, Henry Speight, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Robbie Coleman, Francis Fainifo, Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Ita Vaea, Colby Faingaa, Mitch Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Ben Hand, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander.
Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Matt Toomua, Christian Lealiifano.

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