Fijian Drua have put the awe many grew up with towards the Crusaders behind them as they prepare for their home game against the Super Rugby Pacific champions in Lautoka on Saturday.
Super Rugby Pacific will celebrate the next generation of fans and players during Kids Round with special deals and free tickets making it easier than ever for families to attend matches during Round #4 of the 2023 season.
The Crusaders have bounced back from last week’s loss to the Chiefs in resounding fashion by thumping the Highlanders 52-15 in the opening game of the Melbourne Super Round.
As the only two South Island-based teams in Super Rugby Pacific, the Crusaders and Highlanders have a unique and special rivalry, making their matches some of the most anticipated and intense in the competition.
The Chiefs have rallied from 10-0 down after 20 minutes to beat the defending champion Crusaders 31-10 and pull off the first upset of the Super Rugby Pacific season in the opening match.
All Black David Havili will resume fullback duties in the talent-laden Crusaders backline that will take on the Chiefs in their Super Rugby Pacific game in Christchurch on Friday.
Maintaining the energy and excitement required to claim a seventh consecutive title (across Super Rugby Pacific and Aotearoa) would be the challenge for the Crusaders in 2023.
Six-time Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific winning coach Scott Robertson had his players attack the perceived area of Blues strength, the lineout, to secure his side's 21–7 victory over a shell-shocked Blues side at Eden Park on Saturday.
After 15 weeks of regular season and two rounds of playoffs, a packed Eden Park awaits the Blues and Crusaders in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific final this Saturday night.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson praised the record-breaking defensive effort of his side in denying the Chiefs a Super Rugby Pacific finals berth when winning their semifinal 20-7 in Christchurch on Friday.
Defence trumped possession in the wet of Christchurch when the Crusaders were required to break competition tackling records to hold out the Chiefs for a semifinal 20–7 win in Super Rugby Pacific rugby in Christchurch on Friday.
