Crusaders secure 31-14 victory over Fijian Drua in Suva
Sevu Reece was part of the winning Crusaders side
©Steve Haag
Crusaders bounced back in style in Suva, producing a composed and powerful performance to defeat Fijian Drua 31-14 in Round Eight of the Super Rugby Pacific.
This victory marked the Crusaders’ first-ever win in Fiji and offered a timely response following their recent home loss. They surged ahead early, built an unassailable lead, and saw off a spirited Drua fightback late in the game.
The visitors wasted no time making their mark. In the 5th minute, fullback Will Jordan provided a slick offload to scrum-half Noah Hotham, who darted through the Drua defense to score the opening try. Taha Kemara added the extras for a 7-0 start.
Momentum stayed firmly with the Crusaders. Antonio Shalfoon crossed the line from a well-organized lineout in the 15th minute, though the conversion missed, extending the lead to 12-0. The Crusaders kept the pressure on with sharp phase play and superior field position.
In the 23rd minute, Chay Fihaki finished off a sweeping backline move, diving over in the left corner. Kemara’s kick was wide again, but at 17-0, the Crusaders looked in full control as they headed to the break with a commanding lead.
Crusaders continued their clinical execution into the second half. In the 57th minute, Jordan created the spark again, sending a kick in behind for Macca Springer, who gathered and slid over to score. This time Kemara slotted the conversion to push the score to 24-0.
Six minutes later, in the 63rd, replacement prop Ioane Moananu muscled over following sustained pressure in the Drua 22. Substitute kicker James O’Connor converted, stretching the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 31-0.
The Drua, to their credit, never folded. They broke through in the 70th minute, when Isikeli Rabitu powered through the midfield to score their first try. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula converted, bringing it to 31-7.
Five minutes later, the hosts added another, with flanker Etonia Waqa diving over from close range after a patient build-up. Armstrong-Ravula again added the extras to close the gap to 31-14, but the result was already beyond doubt.
