Crusaders Three Debutants Named for Drua Clash

The Crusaders head to Fiji this week to take on the Drua. It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific 2024. Let’s go.

Both the Drua and the Crusaders are looking for their first win of the season, hungry to get a W under the belt and some points on the board.

Last time the boys travelled to Churchill Park in Lautoka, the hosts tipped us over 25-24 in front of raucous crowds. The Drua have won five of their last six Super Rugby matches in Fiji, so it’s fair to say the bar is set high for this one.

The boys are heading over with an unchanged forward pack, with the potential for three debutants off the bench.

George Bower, George Bell and Fletcher Newell will pack down in the front, bolstered by captain Scott Barett and Quinten Strange, and loose forwards Dom Gardiner, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace. Experience coupled with power.

Willi Heinz steps into halfback with Taha Kemara starting again at 10. Kemara debuted off this bench in Fiji this time last year before injuring his hand. He’ll be looking to redeem himself in the same arena this year.

Manasa Mataele starts on the left wing, his first game back in the colours since rejoining the Crusaders from the Western Force. Fellow Fijian Sevu Reece is set to light up the right, he’s already scored three tries this season.

David Havili and Levi Aumua occupy the centre. Aumua was a wrecking ball through the centre on multiple occasions versus the Waratahs in Round 2, so expect some damage done.

Chay Fihaki resumes the position at fullback, continuing to make the role his own.

Three new Crusaders could be inducted on Saturday – Tahlor Cahill, Jone Rova and Riley Hohepa. All are ready to do what needs to be done to get the team over the line.

Ioane Moananu returns from injury, sitting alongside Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Seb Calder as front row replacements. Jamie Hannah has been breaking records for carries so far this season so no doubt we’ll see him get minutes off the bench, while Mitch Drummond will bring some safe hands to halfback duties when needed.