Home side faces tough battle against Crusaders
THE Super Round proved to be pretty super last week with champagne rugby played across each of three days, wherethe Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lost to the Waratahs.
Fans were entertained to a grand display of rugby until the mid of the second half when the Waratahs took control of the match. Tane Edmed’s masterclass effort, big hits and slick scores were the highlights as the ‘Tahs scored a massive 36 unanswered points to defeat the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side 46-17. Edmed led them to victory, scoring 18 points via one try, one penalty and five conversions.
The Drua led after Joseva Tamani and Tevita Ikanivere scored tries. However, a lovely flowing attack opened up the space out wide for Ben Donaldson to slip through for the Waratahs. Two quick tries gave the ‘Tahs the lead, and tries from Edmed, Max Jorgensen, and Mark Nawaqanitawase sealed it.
The Drua must regroup as we face the Crusaders which love playing for 80 minutes! Our boys can’t afford to go on sleep mode against the most successful team in Super Rugby and the defending champions.
The Crusaders are looking forward to playing in front of a huge Fijian crowd at Churchill Park. Fijians are known for their hospitality, loving and caring nature, but the Crusaders know too well that come game day, the hosts will not be friendly. Fans should expect a physical battle upfront as the Drua has stepped up to the Super Rugby game and brought the physical aspect and Fijian flair.
Last week on Friday, the defending champions hammered a hapless Highlanders outfit 52-15, so the visitors will be no pushover. The likes of Richie Mo’unga and David Havili have dazzling feet while on attack with elusive carries and deft kicking. Their forwards deliver a strong showing - the front row is strong at scrum time, and the reserve players make an impact when injected into the game. They bring plenty of physicality, and are expected to batter the Drua ball carriers and put up a strong defence to force the Drua into some errors.
The Crusaders backs love dancing around defenders and putting them in a position to strike. They move the ball through the hands very quickly.
Last year, the Crusaders thrashed the Drua 61-3. On a positive note, for the first time this season the Drua will be playing at home in front of what will no doubt be a big and boisterous crowd. The Drua will be loving the hot and steamy conditions that await them as they prepare to play with their entertaining, attacking flair that they hope will run the Crusaders off their feet.
Simply outclassed by the Waratahs in the second half during Super Round, the Drua will face an even slicker opponent in the Crusaders, but will be hoping conditions will give them an edge. On the field, the reinforcements must lift their performance.
For the Crusaders, they made sure to shake off their opening round loss to the Chiefs 31-10 with a demolition of the Highlanders.
Expect some big hits and plenty of running-rugby, but despite the different look to the Crusaders side their class could be hard to match. The defending champions are playing like wounded soldiers.
Wishing both the sides all the best for the battle!
RAJNESH LINGAM is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Fiji Times.