Thorne to lock horns with Brumbies

Thorne to lock horns with Brumbies

9 May 2006

Veteran Crusaders flanker Rueben Thorne is set to stay at lock for the final Vodacom Super 14 league match on Friday.

Thorne played lock against the Bulls and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans is set to keep him there in order to accommodate 19 year-old loose-forward Tanerau Latimer, who scored two tries against the Bulls. Latimer was deputising for Richie McCaw, but was so impressive that he has forced a positional rethink in the Crusaders pack for the clash with the Brumbies.

If the Crusaders win they will top the log and get a home semi-final and potential home final. The Brumbies need one league point from the match to qualify in fourth place, which would see them return to Christchurch a week later for the play-off.

Speculation in the Christchurch media is that Tone Kopelani will start at hooker because of injury to Corey Flynn, while Rico Gear will get a rest and Scott Hamilton and Caleb Ralph training as the two wingers.

Crusaders (possible): Leon MacDonald, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Dan Carter, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali’i, Richie McCaw (c), Johnny Leo’o, Chris Jack, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett.


5 Comments

  • 1.YoMama: Reply to this comment
    9 May 2006, 21:26 pm

    Mama comes first

  • 2.niknak: Reply to this comment
    9 May 2006, 21:31 pm

    only on mothers day. cracker.

  • 3.CSI:Rugby: Reply to this comment
    10 May 2006, 02:51 am

    McCaw will be playing blindside then, so Crusaders playing with 2 opensiders, as well as the Brumbies with Smith and Salvi, should be a classic encounter.

  • 4.St.Petersburgbok: Reply to this comment
    10 May 2006, 08:27 am

    The permetations for the final weekend could get very interesting.

    What if the Crusaders were to hammer the Brumbies.

    Not completely out of the question considering the Brumbies injury list and who is on it.

    The Sharks could go into their final game just needing to win….but by how much to keep the Bulls clear of overtaking them on points difference?

  • 5.Cheetha Champs: Reply to this comment
    10 May 2006, 10:58 am

    CSI – too true. Smith vs McCaw is arguably the best contest betwen open siders in the world. Should really be a goody.

    Sadly, i do fancy the Brumbies to do enough to qualify (Maybe a bonus point – or a small points difference)

    STP – dont see them getting pumped.

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