This is a must-win Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
The Glen Jackson-coached side is at the bottom of the points table and must beat the Crusaders to keep their qualifying hopes alive.
There is no other way for the Drua but to win on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Jackson had admitted this week that a lot is at stake.
The Drua lost their last two matches to the Brumbies and Western Force.
However, the Drua has beaten the Crusaders in 2023 and 2024 at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
“There’s plenty at stake. It’s halfway through the competition,” said Jackson.
“The challenge here for the Fijian Drua is taking on the former champion of Super Rugby. In the first four rounds, there was a bit of rotation to make everyone fresh,” he said.
“It’s now a good opportunity for the guys to put their hand up and secure their spot for the last 10 weeks. There’s plenty at stake for both sides.”
Jackson said the fans are in for a great time as both teams after desperate for a win.
“We’re going to play fast and strong and I know they will too, as they’re the number one team as in every stats Crusaders always top on attack.
“You’ll see a good game and hopefully know our defence can slow what they’re trying to do. It’s two very similar sides actually that’ll want to try and play each other and that’s always going to be a great atmosphere for the fans.”
The match kicks-off at 3.35pm.
Drua: 1.Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Isoa Tuwai, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Inia Tabuavou, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Vuate Karawalevu.
Reserves: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Leone Rotuisolia, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Etonia Waqa, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Isikeli Rabitu.
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor (c), 3. Seb Calder, 4. Tahlor Cahill, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Corey Kellow, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Macca Springer, 12. Dallas McLeod, 13. Sevu Reece, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan.
Reserves: 16. Ioane Moananu, 17. Kershawl Skyes-Martin, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Ethan Blackadder, 21. Mitch Drummond, 22. James O’Connor, 23. Levi Aumua.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw; TMO: Glenn Newman.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
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