Game Preview: Round Three v Fijian Drua
The boys have travelled to Fiji for this one, ready to face the Drua at home. As always they were welcomed with open arms, singing and ceremonies.
It’s a huge occasion when the Crusaders land in Fiji. It’s clear there’s a passionate Crusaders fan base in the Pacific nation, that is until they play the Drua. We went to Lautoka last season to play in front of the raucous crowd and lost by one point – 25-24.
It’s our third game on the road – our first home game coming next weekend versus the Hurricanes (Get your tickets now) – and the squad is hungry to get on the board of the Super Rugby Pacific 2024 season.
Key team news
Two changes to our match day 23 with Joe Moody replacing Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Heremaia Murray coming in on debut for Manasa Mataele.
Tom Christie plays his 50th in the red and black jersey when he runs out at openside flanker.
Tahlor Cahill, Jone Rova and Riley Hohepa are all set to debut off the bench on Saturday. How good to bring in three new Crusaders to the whānau.
Last hit out
We went to Lautoka the same time last year and lost in the heat 25-24. One point. It was loud. It was hot. It was an epic match up and one of the Drua’s biggest wins in their two seasons of Super Rugby Pacific.
The Drua came to Christchurch for the Quarter Final in June 2023 and our boys came away with the win 49-8.
Match ups
Haereiti Hetet is a second-generation Flying Fijian prop, coming up against fellow Fijian George Bower.
Keep an eye out for Selestino Ravutaumada on the right wing for the Drua, his opposite number being Sevu Reece. Both Fijian. Both fast. Both with the potential to score multiple tries.
Heremaia Murray debuts on the left wing after impressing for Northland in NPC. Epeli Momo is on the left wing for the hosts, recently returned from playing for Montauban in France’s Pro D2 club competition.
Meli Derenalagi captains the Fijian Drua from No 8. A sevens star and 2023 Rugby World Cup competitor, he squares up against Cullen Grace.
Frank Lomani and Willi Heinz will make eyes across the scrum – both experienced halfbacks. Lomani has more than 40 Super Rugby caps for the Drua and Melbourne Rebels, as well as plenty for Fiji. Heinz is an old hand with the Crusaders, who popped over to the UK for a time and picked up some international caps for England.
Key info
Kick-off 2:05pm (NZT) Live on Sky Sport
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: George Myers, Jeremy Markey
Kick off: 2.05pm, Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
First home game 15 March - Lock in your access now