Fijian Drua vs Crusaders highlights, scores, match report
[ad_1]
The Fijian Drua have pulled off probably the most memorable upsets in Tremendous Rugby historical past, gorgeous the defending champion Crusaders 25-24 in Lautoka on Saturday.
In entrance of a feverish Churchill Park crowd, Kemu Valetini – the youthful brother of Wallabies star Rob – slotted a easy penalty to steal victory within the last act of the sport.
Valetini, who performed for the Manly Marlins final 12 months, was on Tremendous Rugby debut.
Watch the 2023 Tremendous Rugby Pacific season on the house of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming advert free, stay and on demand
Masi’s sensible scoop and rating
“It is solely week three however that is very particular,” commentator Greg Clark mentioned on Stan Sport’s protection as pandemonium ensued within the crowd.
“It is nearly like a grand last,” Sam Wykes added.
The Drua are solely of their second season of Tremendous Rugby and completed eleventh of 12 groups with a 2-12 report final 12 months.
READ MORE: Drew Mitchell loses it whereas interviewing Melbourne’s cult hero prop
MEHRTENS: ‘No means’ Eddie Jones’ leaked groups have been an accident as coach responds
RUGBY HEAVEN: Wallabies should ‘put brakes on’ son of a gun Tom Lynagh
The Crusaders thrashed the Drua 61-3 final 12 months however coach Scott Robertson opted to discipline a weakened workforce on Saturday and used up a few of his All Blacks-mandated relaxation weeks.
The groups scored 4 tries apiece and it appeared just like the Crusaders have been going to rejoice captain Scott Barrett’s one hundredth match with a win when Fergus Burke coolly transformed Ioane Moananu’s 78th minute attempt from a tricky ankle.
It was certainly one of three tries scored by Crusaders hookers – after Quentin MacDonald’s brace – whereas Fijian winger Sevu Reece additionally crossed in the course of the second half comeback.
However the Drua had the final chuckle and moved as much as fourth on the ladder with a 2-1 report whereas the 1-2 Crusaders are within the unfamiliar place of seventh.
“To the gang, it was unreal as we speak and as we speak’s sport was comfortable,” Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere mentioned.
“The boys got here out within the second half firing and we did the job and obtained the win…
“We had the assumption we may do it and we got here and defeated a fantastic Crusaders workforce, who’ve been profitable for six years in a row. And what higher approach to do it by doing it in entrance of our residence crowd.”
Barrett – whose father Kevin joined him for his one hundredth sport ceremony – admitted the event was bittersweet.
“We won’t make excuses, we have to take our hats off to the Drua,” Barrett mentioned.
“They have been excellent as we speak and deserve that win. We turned our again and we noticed how harmful they have been with their ability and operating play.”
DRUA 25 (Iosefo Masi, Ilaisa Droasese, Joseva Tamani, Eroni Sau tries; Teti Tela con; Kemu Valetini pen) CRUSADERS 24 (Quentin MacDonald 2, Sevu Reece, Ioane Moananu tries; Fergus Burke 2 con)
For a every day dose of the very best of the breaking information and unique content material from Huge World of Sports activities, subscribe to our publication by clicking right here
Eddie Jones’ exceptional profession in photos: Hooker, instructor and grasp coach improbably leads Wallabies once more
[ad_2]
Source_link
