Fijian Drua
25
Match Complete
Crusaders
24
| K. Valentini |  | 82 | ||
| 78 |  | F. Burke | ||
| 77 |  | I. Moananu | ||
| 73 | | S. Reece | ||
| E. Sau | | 66 | ||
| J. Tamani | | 60 | ||
| T. Tela | | 50 | ||
| I. Droasese | | 49 | ||
| I. Masi | | 29 | ||
| 22 | | F. Burke | ||
| 21 | | Q. MacDonald | ||
| 10 | | Q. MacDonald |
| 4 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
The Crusaders travel to Fiji to face the improving Fijian Drua. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 2:35pm (AEDT).
Captain Scott Barrett will bring up a century of games for the club – he debuted in 2014 in an exhibition match against England.
Willi Heinz returns after a stint overseas while David Havili returns to the mid field. The Crusaders have three likely debutants on the bench – front rowers Ioane Moananu and Kershawl Sykes-Martin and backline replacement Taha Kemara.
All Blacks Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Richie Mo’unga and Leicester Fainga’anuku have been rested, while midfielder Jack Goodhue (groin) and hooker Brodie McAlister (head) are injured.
Crusaders assistant coach Scott Hansen said: “Some boys will be making their debut, and others will be playing their first game for the Crusaders for awhile. We’re excited for all those boys and their families.”
The Drua have given a starting debut for international winger Eroni Sau, while there is a potential debut for flyhalf Kemu Valetini, and the return of club captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi.
Nicknamed “the sledgehammer”, Sau was a ‘Drua original’, playing for the NRC Drua team which won Australia’s National Rugby Championship title in 2018. He brings with him top level experience, having played for the Flying Fijians and Edinburgh in Europe.
Game information
Venue: Churchill Park, Fiji
Kick-off: 2:35pm (AEDT)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Fijian Drua $14, Crusaders $1.04 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Drua (1-15): Meli Tuni, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Eroni Sau, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.
Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Kalaveti Ravouvou.
Crusaders (1-15): George Bower, Quentin MacDonald, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Macca Springer, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki.
Reserves: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Zach Gallagher, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Dallas McLeod.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Dualruggafanatic
Guest
Clarkie has become the official Drua commentator basically, especially when they're playing at home.
Dualruggafanatic
Guest
That would be Simon Raiwalui the Fiji HC, and they do plan to have some of the Drua coaching staff help the national team itself for the world cup.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
You got something on your chin.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Why would a childish seemingly privileged quack, obviously from a Gubba private school as you, I assume, want to know anything? As it appears, you possibly know everything!! Now run along & play!
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I want to know how knowing the history of New Zealand rugby and your historic involvement has anything to do with Fiji burying The Crusaders today?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Oh dear, are you ok? You obviously are just a quack with your ridiculously childish assumptions!! Grow up little boy! Ffs!
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Haha. We all know you brought the game to New Zealand right?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Try looking at yourself Dr. Jeckle, as you constantly show your utter ignorance in anything regarding rugby in Aotearoa! Know everything about nothing, with your numbnut posts! Get a life!!
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I just find it hilarious everytime you post mate. It reminds me of all the ridiculous claims you have made. You must be 96 years old.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Your response is as ridiculous as your assumptions, Dr! Are you off your meds again?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Bad luck with your Canes Dig. Those fellas coming through look good & Rayasi if he’s not in the AB squad later on, then we know how useless our selectors are!
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Haha. I know you're close personal friends with him Muzzo... And no doubt you coached him. And you were probably there at his christening. And you helped start his breakdancing career. What haven't you done and who don't you know?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH they’re all as bad as each other, but Clarkie is better at history lessons!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
And you would know, Dr?? Ffs!
Dwards
Roar Rookie
So glad I watched that. So good. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :happy:
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
*no automatic
Snow Leopard
Guest
What a game. What atmosphere. Why not play the Super Round in Fiji next year? Bula!!
adam smith
Roar Rookie
Touché :laughing:
Pete Samu's Tucked Shirt
Roar Rookie
I'd rather Greg Clarke than Sean Maloney, SBW and Mitchell
moondoggie
Roar Rookie
When the February Champions lose it's always an upset right ?? :laughing: