Super Rugby Pacific match between the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Crusaders at Location Churchill Park. This much-anticipated encounter between the Drua and the defending champions is scheduled for 11 March in Lautoka.
In only the Fijian’s second year in Super Rugby Pacific, they will play their first finals match against defending champions in Christchurch.
A hint the Drua might be capable of something truly special this year began when they stunned the Crusaders in a round 3 upset.
Crusaders v Fijian Drua Results 49-8
The Crusaders have booked a spot in yet another Super Rugby semi-final, beating the Fijian Drua 49-8 in their quarterfinal tonight in Christchurch.
Crusaders slump to shock defeat to Waratahs
The defending champion Canterbury Crusaders lost their opening two games of Super Rugby for the first time in ten years, falling to the NSW Waratahs 37–24 on Saturday.
The dominant team from New Zealand is vying for an eighth consecutive championship, but under Rob Penney—who took over as coach after Scott “Razor” Robertson left to lead the All Blacks—they appear to be a shell of their former self.
Their title defense began last week with a 33-29 loss to Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton, and they didn’t fare much better against the Waratahs in Melbourne, where all six round two games are being played.
When the Crusaders are forced to watch a replay of this effort—a stunning loss to the Waratahs at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne on Saturday night—they will begrudgingly make their way to training.
The Super Rugby Pacific reigning champions, a group unaccustomed to such lackluster results, will not be having the best of times.
After the first two rounds of the competition, the Waratahs have maintained their winless record after defeating the Chiefs 33-29 last week. They thoroughly deserved their 37-24 victory.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Oliver Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan
RESERVES: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O’Neill, Zack Gallagher, Ethan Blackadder, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahirwau Cirikidaveta, Vilive Miramira, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Teti Tela, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Samuela Tawake, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Michael Naitokani, Eroni Sau
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan