Preview of Round Three versus Fijian Drua
The landing of the Crusaders in Fiji is a momentous occasion. Up until they play the Drua, it is evident that the Pacific nation has a fervent Crusaders fan base. Last season, we traveled to Lautoka to play in front of a boisterous audience, but we were defeated by a single point, 25–24.
We have three games left on the road until we play our first home game against the Hurricanes the following weekend (buy your tickets today). The team is eager to start the Super Rugby Pacific 2024 season well.
Important team updates
Joe Moody took Kershawl Sykes-Martin’s place on match day 23, and Heremaia Murray made her matchday debut in place of Manasa Mataele. When Tom Christie runs out as openside flanker, he plays his 50th game in the red and black jersey.
On Saturday, Riley Hohepa, Jone Rova, and Tahlor Cahill will all make their bench debuts. Introducing three new Crusaders to the whānau is a great idea.
The last hit
Last year, we went to Lautoka about the same time and lost 25–24 in the heat. Just one thing. It made a lot of noise. It was warm. One of the Drua’s biggest victories in their two seasons of Super Rugby Pacific, it was an incredible match.
In June 2023, the Drua visited Christchurch for the Quarter Final, and our guys won 49–8.
Comparisons
Second-generation Flying Fijian prop Haereiti Hetet will face fellow Fijian George Bower. Watch out for Sevu Reece, who is the antithesis of Selestino Ravutaumada on the right wing for the Drua. Both originate from Fiji. Both swiftly. Both having the capacity to score in numerous attempts.
After making an impression for Northland in NPC, Heremaia Murray makes her left wing debut. The hosts’ left flank, Epeli Momo, just got back from playing for Montauban in the Pro D2 club league in France.
Meli Derenalagi leads the No. 8 Fijian Drua. He takes on Cullen Grace, a rugby world cup competitor in 2023 and sevens great.
Both seasoned halfbacks Frank Lomani and Willi Heinz will be observing the scrum. For the Melbourne Rebels and Drua, Lomani has more over 40 Super Rugby caps. He also has a large number of caps for Fiji. Heinz is a veteran of the Crusaders who briefly visited the UK and earned some caps for England’s national team.
Important details
Kickoff is live on Sky Sport at 2:05 p.m. (NZT).
Nic Berry officiating
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey and George Myers
Kickoff: Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji, 2:05 p.m.
March 15 is the first home game.