MARCH 9th 2024 CHURCHILL PARK, LAUTOKA, FIJI
PREDICTION
Fijian Drua skipper Meli Derenalagi is a talisman in the number eight jersey for the Fijian Drua. This week he runs into a brick wall in the shape of Cullen Grace.
Expect fireworks between these two hard nosed combatants.
Tough game to pick especially in hot and humid conditions in Lautoka, in front of the loud home fans, but I am going with the class of the Crusaders who simply must win before heading home for three big home derbies, Hurricanes, Blues, and Chiefs.
Ouch!
Uncapped Players Bring Depth to Crusaders Bench
As the Canterbury Crusaders gear up to face off against the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific, coach Rob Penney has strategically added depth to his bench with the inclusion of uncapped players.
Riley Hohepa and Jone Rova are set to make their presence felt as they provide cover for key positions. Hohepa, formerly with the Chiefs, joins the Crusaders as injury cover for Rivez Reihana, while Rova eyes his debut as a promising midfielder.
Managing Player Workload During a Busy Schedule
Coach Penney is well aware of the demanding schedule ahead. He has emphasized the importance of managing player workload to ensure performance. With three consecutive matches, against New Zealand teams following the Fiji game strategic decisions have been taken to keep players in top condition.
Prominent players like Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Macca Springer and Dallas McLeod being absent highlight the teams approach to preserving player fitness.
Reunion of Former Crusaders Stars
First there was Ryan Crotty, followed by Owen Franks, Now, outside back Johnny McNicholl is back with the Crusaders.
Almost eight years since he played the last of his 39 games for the Christchurch-based franchise, the 33-year-old’s return was confirmed on Tuesday, a necessary addition due to a run of injuries in the outside backs. McNicholl won’t play against the Drua in Lautoka on Saturday, but I am sure he will get some game time later in the season.
McNicholl spent four seasons with the Crusaders and left just as he was making big strides.
He went on to play 122 games for Welsh side Scarlets, and 10 tests for Wales.
Having lost Will Jordan for the season, Leigh Halfpenny (shoulder) for much of the campaign, as well as being without No 10s Fergus Burke (Achilles) and Rivez Reihana (shoulder), who can both play fullback, for a chunk, the writing was on the wall for McNicholl’s return when he was recently released by Scarlets.
McNicholl, Crotty and Franks played together during the 2010s, as did halfback Willi Heinz, now in his second year back with the team.
Staying Positive Despite Injury Challenges
The Crusaders have got one of their injured hookers back this week, with Ioane Moananu named on the bench a few weeks after hurting his chest during a pre-season game against the Highlanders.
Brodie McAlister, who suffered a knee injury during the same game in Methven, is expected to miss another three or four weeks.
With Reihana also dinged up, the Crusaders recently brought in 29-year-old former Hurricane Riley Hohepa, just a matter of weeks after he was training with the Chiefs.
Line-ups
Crusaders
Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, David Havili, Manasa Mataele, Taha Kemara, Willi Heinz, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Dominic Gardiner, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (capt), Fletcher Newell, George Bell, George Bower.
Reserves. Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Mitchell Drummond, Jone Rova, Riley Hohepa.
Fijian Drua.
Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Epeli Momo, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Junior Ratuva
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: George Myers, Jeremy Markey
Comments