Crusaders tie a 28-year Super Rugby record while the Fijian Drua win “for the fans.”
Despite Rob Penney’s dreadful start to his ‘Saders tenure,’ this was the Drua’s second straight victory over the 13-time Super Rugby champions.
The Crusaders are now 11th in the standings, having had their worst start since Super Rugby’s inaugural campaign in 1996 under head coach Scott Robertson’s replacement.
One for the people in Lautoka
The Drua improved to 10th place in the league rankings after winning their first game of the season, which came after they were defeated by Moana Pasifika the previous weekend.
The hosts’ victory was sealed by an outstanding defense, and Drua captain Derenalagi was happy with the four points for both his squad and their supporters.
“The people who consistently support us deserve this victory more than we do,” he declared.
Officially, Super Rugby Pacific’s all-time leading try scorer is “King” Julian Savea.
“We were unhappy and irritated after losing the last two games. The boys were blazing today as we protected our territory.
Crusaders manager Penney has not been helped by injuries or off-season exits, as Richie Mo’unga is presently playing in Japan and Will Jordan is out for the long run.
One attempt by two
All Blacks winger Sevu Reece scored their lone try of the game, but goals from Frank Lomani, the player of the match, and Selestino Ravutaumada helped secure the victory.
The Crusaders’ captain, Scott Barrett, stated, “We just weren’t sharp and clinical as we’d like. We didn’t execute.” The team’s title defense appears to be seriously threatened.
“The Fijian Drua will punish you if you give them a sniff.”