The Crusaders, will be without at least four All Blacks when they play the Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday night.
Centre Jack Goodhue injured his groin during the 52-15 win over the Highlanders in Melbourne last weekend, and has been scratched.
Tighthead prop Fletcher Newell (foot/ankle) and No 8 Cullen Grace (shoulder) were hurt in the opening round loss to the Chiefs, and Dan Perrin, forwards coach, said the Crusaders were still waiting for clarity from medical specialists.
Fullback/wing Will Jordan, who hasn’t played this year because of a migraine-related issue, remains unavailable.
“It is still a work in progress at this stage and he (Jordan) is going through the protocols that he needs to, to get back on the field,” forwards coach, Dan Perrin said. “So, no updates.”
There are a lot of new names in the Crusaders for this game, and coach Scott Robertson will be on edge here. In front of their fans, coupled with the heat of Fiji, the Drua will be competitive, Watch for the big tackles from the Drua ,as they will throw the ball around and entertain for sure. There are several players in the Crusaders squad with connections to Fiji, including, Sevu Reece, and Chay Fihaki.
Robertson will be back in charge of the defending champion Crusaders when they play the Fijian Drua in their Super Rugby Pacific match in Lautoka on Saturday afternoon. Watch for the highly touted first five-eighth Taha Kemara, one of three players set to make their debut .
Kemara, 19,signed a 3 year deal ahead of the 2023 season, and is set to again play alongside his former Hamilton Boys’ High School teammate.
That would be halfback Noah Hotham, who debuted last week against the Highlanders, and is also tipped to have a bright future.
Robertson wasn’t at AAMI Park in Melbourne last weekend when the Crusaders beat the Highlanders 52-15, having returned to Christchurch because of a family bereavement.It must have been a relief for him to observe the team overcome the distraction of their coach being absent. The recent news that incumbent All Blacks coach Ian Foster won’t reapply for his job also had potential to blur the Crusaders’ focus, given the team is loaded with All Blacks.
DRUA (1-15): Meli Tuni, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Eroni Sau, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Kalaveti Ravouvou
The Drua had a win in game 1 against the Pasifika team, but got touched up by the Waratahs in week 2.They will find this a difficult assignment, but I expect them to compete, and with the home crowd and a drink of kava, who knows.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Joe Moody, Quentin MacDonald, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Macca Springer, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki
RESERVES: Ioane Moannu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Zach Gallagher, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Dallas McLeod
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant referees: Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
My prediction is for the Crusaders to win and win well. Plus 15 points for me!!
Read this too!!
Comments