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Another Kiwi spurns Northern Hemisphere offers

Bryn Hall in action for the Crusaders

The Crusaders have made a new signing for 2018, retaining the services of halfback Bryn Hall.

Hall started his Super Rugby career in Auckland with the Blues in 2013.  He debuted against the Crusaders in round 2 of that season, however a broken jaw and a bout of glandular fever meant it wasn’t until the following season that he earned his second cap. A broken foot saw him miss another season of Super Rugby in 2015, but he returned for the Blues in 2016 as the first choice halfback and played in every game.

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The Crusaders approached Hall as a suitable replacement for the outgoing Andy Ellis, and he has alternated with Mitch Drummond for the starting number 9 jersey throughout the 2017 season.

Hall said the new environment and healthy competition in the team has been the best thing for his development.

“It is never easy to make the decision to move from another team, but for me the timing and circumstances were just right.  I love that I have to perform at my best every week to compete for that halfback spot, it has brought out the best in both Drummy [Mitch Drummond] and I” Hall said.

Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson said Hall has brought a lot to the team, including good experience and leadership abilities.  He has captained many of the teams he has represented, including the St Peter’s College First XV in 2010, the New Zealand Under 20 team in 2012, and his North Harbour Mitre 10 Cup team.

“We have enjoyed what Bryn brings to the group, and even as a first year Crusader he was able to contribute some real leadership on and off the field.  He has a really strong passing game and is an incredible competitor who brings an edge to the team.” Robertson said.

Bryn will return to play for his provincial team, North Harbour, when they take on Southland tonight.

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Nickers 27 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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