Crusaders
61
Match Complete
Fijian Drua
3
| F. Burke |  | 75 | ||
| T. Christie |  | 74 | ||
| F. Burke | | 72 | ||
| B. Ennor | | 70 | ||
| F. Burke | | 63 | ||
| G. Bridge | | 62 | ||
| S. Reece | | 52 | ||
| F. Burke | | 48 | ||
| F. Burke | | 46 | ||
| F. Burke | | 37 | ||
| S. Reece | | 36 | ||
| F. Burke | | 28 | ||
| S. Whitelock | | 27 | ||
| F. Burke | | 15 | ||
| T. Christie | | 14 | ||
| 7 |  | T. Tela | ||
| F. Burke | | 3 | ||
| L. Fainga'anuku | | 1 |
| 9 | Tries | 0 | ||
| 8 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Super Rugby Pacific round 14 kicks off with the Crusaders taking on the Fijian Dura at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch as the Kiwi side look to grab second place on the ladder as the finals beckon. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:05pm AEST.
With just two matches left in the regular season, the Crusaders know they need to two big wins to give themselves the best chance of leapfrogging the Brumbies to secure second place. For the match against the Drua, coach Scott Robertson has made a number of changes including removing seven internationals from his starting line up. George Bower, Codie Taylor, Pablo Matera, Cullen Grace, Richie Mo’unga, David Havili and Will Jordan are all rested but that doesn’t mean that the Crusaders are dropping the quality bar.
Finlay Brewis and Ricky Jackson come into the front row while Zach Gallagher and Sam Whitelock join forces in the locks. Scott Barrett shifts from the second row to the back row in an intriguing positional move where he’ll join Tom Christie and Ethan Blackadder.
Fergus Burke gets another shot at the number 10 shirt while Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor will play outside him in the centres where they will get plenty of tackle practice from the powerful Drua centres.
For the Drua this is another chance to make progress in their opening season in the competition and to learn as they go up against one of the biggest clubs in world rugby. Although they have only been able to win twice this year, they will notice on the ladder that they are only three points behind climbing above the Force and taking 10th spot.
It’ll be tempting to try and play error free rugby against a side as intimidating as the Crusaders and not make any mistakes, but the Drua have to play their own game and attack the Kiwis. Sitting back is not going to work and trying to be someone they’re not, just won’t work.
Game Information
Venue: Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST)
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Crusaders $1.03, Drua $10.00 – odds via PlayUp
Crusaders (1-15): Finlay Brewis, Ricky Jackson, Fletcher Newell, Zach Gallagher, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki.
Reserves: Shilo Klein, Tamaiti Williams, Oli Jager, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, Simon Hickey, George Bridge.
Drua (1-15): Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Mesulame Dolokoto, Nemani Nagusa (c), Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Vinaya Habosi, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kitione Taliga.
Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Raikabula Momoedonu, Leone Nawai, Ilaisa Droasese, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
Highlander
Roar Guru
The difference in D in the centres is between those that are instinctive, just know where to be, and those who have to play what is in front of them - Goodhue showed again last night the benefit of just having those instincts. And yeah Pinetree, the tackle stats never show the 'was in the wrong place' errors. For anyone who hasn't played centre and you accidently find yourself there - its a nightmare Havili is having another good season and will at 12 for the finals series for mine- there is a real difference in playing outside Mounga vs Barrett On that, BB had his best game of the year last week because he sat in the slot, got twice the touches he usually does and varied his distribution and depth. Looking for that to stay vs the Brums but will also need to deliver the kicking game that RM pinned the Brums back with - that should be a great game today
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Are you saying there isn’t enough variety? Or the quality level is lower? I’m not quite sure sorry. It seems strange saying it’s stuck on repeat when it’s the first season for this format and for 2 of these teams. I get that it’s the largely the same teams playing each other, but that’s who we have available. After SRP we’ll internationals and NPC (at lest in NZ).
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
It makes sense why they would put Goodhue at 13 when Havili is playing in the centres, as Havili is a 12 and definitely not a 13 (I think outside back suits Havili’s game better, but the coaches have settled on 12), but selecting Goodhue outside ALB for the ABs is an inside-out selection for me. ALB is by far ,IMO, the best 13 in NZ (and I agree Goodhue is better suited at 12), and also IMO, R Ioane, a brilliant left winger, is lost at 13 in defence/positioning/pressure distribution, which seems illogical to persist with (your fairly recent article clearly illustrated the very poo defence stats. How many more tackles were missed from being out of position to even make the tackle attempt that the stats don’t tell?…)
Highlander
Roar Guru
I think he is more a 12 But he seems to get moved between both at crusader and ab level
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
HL, do you see Goodhue equally good at 12 and 13 or does he have a best position? Havili's a 12, Ennor's a 13.
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
I get your point but it still doesn't answer my question. Mallett says and I agree. Currently the Pac teams especially AU us and NZ is stuck in repeat mode. After the finals of Pac this year what is there to look forward to? SA franchises can now look forward to Champions Cup as 3 teams qualified. I just feel this current Pac Comp needs something more. I watched Leister and Munster vs Toulouse the other day and its on a different level. Sure Aus teams improved but the whole Pac product to me as an outsider looks really stuck at the moment, no variety.
Highlander
Roar Guru
Can’t see Ennor breaking up the other 2 at 12 - 13 colvin
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
It's going to be interesting who SR picks in midfield for his top team from Havili, Goodhue and Ennor. To me Ennor's at long last got his confidence back
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
The vibe in pre season predictions from the crowd was very pessimistic of the Drua and MP's performance level in SR, and it is awesome to see them perform above that. Yes, great to see Burke maturing as a genuine backup too!
Malo
Guest
Another nail biter
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Exactly DJ, I thought of that game also. :thumbup:
DJ
Roar Rookie
Mmmm, like Gloucester 64 to zip over Bath recently…
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I totally agree mate, the Drua and MP have been more competitive in some games than what most would have thought. And the goal kicking was great to see, the Crusaders have found a genuine back up to Mounga. :thumbup:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Spot on with everything Highlanders, multiple players stepped up and the game plan has to be credited. :thumbup:
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
Pretty decent points haul for Burke with 8/9 con and a try for 21 pts. The Saders locks and backrow were too dominant for the Drua, but for their debut season 1 game from completion, I reckon they can still hold their heads high playing some entertaining rugby!
Android-angler Cartman-brah
Roar Rookie
When I see this score I'm starting to believe Mallett's view on Aus and NZ stuck in repeat mode. Northern comps at this stage much superior. I'll see how the June internationals go to see who is in front in pecking order. URC I must say going into this weekend looks very exciting. Can the same be said at the current Pac rugby comp? Maybe it needs more expansion.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Congratulations Crusaders supporters for a great showing by certain players and the team, they are shaping well for the finals. Drua just never applied the pressure necessary to be in the game, a lot for them to work on moving forward.
Daggett
Roar Rookie
Not the first and not the last team to take a beating by the Saders. In fact, is there any team in SR history that hasn’t? The silver lining is the invaluable experienced gained to play at the next level, especially in the lead up to the RWC.
Highlander
Roar Guru
A bitsa selection from the New England Pony Club tonight but still remarkably fluid on the park. Best game from Bryn Hall for a while Tom Christie top drawer, as was Blackadder again Good energetic effort from big Sam, must have won half a dozen clean lineouts jumping right at the back Goodhue immaculate and Fainga’anuku a real handful Easy to get out of structure against the Drua, or struggle to break their line as the Blues did, but that was well thought out by the Crusaders, patient with the ball, clinical with chances.
PapanuiPirate
Roar Pro
Tough night for the Drua. I wouldn't say the crusaders have looked vintage but pretty much every player in red and black has just been good and done their job well. Drua look like they spent all week working on their lineout and just about nothing else. Support for the ball carrier has been poor. Calls for Fainga'anuku to get an All Blacks call up will be getting pretty loud at this point I would guess...