Drua’s Playoff Hopes Alive Despite 39-3 Loss: The Race for 8th Place is Wide Open
The Drua now face a critical final match against the Melbourne Rebels this weekend in Lautoka. A victory in this game is essential for the Drua to secure their place in the top 8 and ensure their participation in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the top four teams have already locked in home quarterfinals, leaving the bottom four to battle for their standings in the last round.
The race for the 8th spot is still wide open, with the Drua, the Force, and the defending champions, the Crusaders, all in contention. The Crusaders boosted their chances with a crucial bonus point victory against the Blues last Saturday. They are now looking for another bonus point win against Moana Pasifika this Friday, coupled with hopes that the Rebels will defeat the Drua and the Brumbies will beat the Force. This scenario could see the Crusaders sneak into the top 8.
The Drua’s clash with the Rebels is set to be a high-stakes encounter. A win for the Drua this weekend would set them up for a quarterfinal matchup against either the Blues or the Hurricanes. The Drua are scheduled to face the Rebels at 2.05pm this Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka, marking the final round of the competition.
In addition to this pivotal match, several other key games are lined up for this weekend:
– The Crusaders will take on Moana Pasifika at 7.05pm on Friday.
– The Waratahs will host the Reds at 9.35pm on Friday.
– The Hurricanes will clash with the Highlanders at 4.35pm on Saturday.
– The Blues will face the Chiefs at 7.05pm on Saturday.
– The Force will play the Brumbies at 9.35pm on Saturday.
For the Drua, the path to the playoffs is straightforward but challenging: they must win against the Rebels. Their fate is in their own hands. Despite the recent setback against the Highlanders, the Drua have shown resilience and the ability to bounce back throughout the season. Securing a win in front of their home crowd in Lautoka could provide the necessary momentum to propel them into the playoffs.
The Force and the Crusaders, on the other hand, are relying not only on their performances but also on the outcomes of other matches. The Force need a win against the Brumbies, while the Crusaders are hoping for a perfect alignment of results to make their way into the top 8.
The final round of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific promises to be thrilling, with multiple teams still vying for a spot in the playoffs. The Drua, despite their recent loss, have a clear path to the playoffs but must deliver a win against the Rebels. As the season reaches its climax, fans can expect intense and exciting rugby as teams leave everything on the field in pursuit of playoff glory.