Crusaders player ratings vs Fijian Drua | Super Rugby Pacific
Boiling hot conditions in Lautoka hosted round three’s Super Rugby Pacific matchup between the Crusaders and the Fijian Drua.
The heat had a strong influence on the game with handling errors aplenty, mainly for the visiting Crusaders. The conditions disrupted opportunities for running rugby as well, the first half was a territory battle with the Crusaders coming out with a 12-5 lead thanks to their dominant rolling maul.
The Drua embraced the occasion in the second half and gave their fans plenty to cheer about, playing some superb rugby in broken play. The handling errors continued to mount up for the Crusaders and the Drua capitalised, also using the high kick to good effect as the Crusaders struggled to claim the ball staring into the afternoon sun.
The game came down to the wire as the Crusaders scored in the 77th minute to level the scores at 22-22. A Crusaders infringement in extra time gifted the Drua a penalty in front of the sticks and debutant Kemu Valetini stepped up and produced a historic moment for the home side.
Ultimately the pressure of Fiji’s physicality had the Crusaders scrambling, the fans were roaring and the Drua’s discipline didn’t let the reigning champs off the hook.
Fiji claims the win with a final score of 25-24.
Here’s how the Crusaders rated:
1. George Bower – 8
The pace of the Fijian attack brought out the best in Bower, his agility and physicality shined on defence. Slipped in an early scrum but had the Crusaders marching forward throughout the first half, just struggling to control the movement of the scrum at times. A knock-on in the 33rd minute spoiled a scoring opportunity.
2. Quentin MacDonald – 7
Claimed the game’s opening two tries off the back of a dominant rolling maul. Contributed well to a strong scrum and lasted a good 15 minutes longer than his front-row partners in the heat which has to be commended.
3. Tamaiti Williams – 7
Contributed some strong carries and won the scrum battle throughout the first half. The match was a great example of how Williams has worked on his conditioning since entering the Super Rugby scene. His side would have benefitted from more carries by the big prop. Struggled with Fiji’s second unit and was replaced ten minutes into the second half.
4. Scott Barrett – 6.5
Claimed the lineout ball well and had some nice carries but struggled to get his troops aligned and play the usual Crusaders brand of footy. Slipped into the flanker spot late. Labelled his milestone performance “bittersweet” in the post-match interview but was proud of his accomplishment and gracious towards the Fijian side and their fans.
5. Sam Whitelock – 6.5
The 34-year-old channelled his inner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck with a lively sidestep that got him over the line in the 18th minute, unfortunately for Sammy, he wasn’t able to ground it cleanly. Penalised a couple of times in defensive lineouts. Whitelock’s presence as one of Super Rugby’s all-time most experienced players wasn’t enough to inspire composure from his side in the pressure cooker of Churchill Park.
6. Sione Havili Talitui – 8
Gave away a blatant penalty in the third minute and was very lucky that Fiji botched the kick from right out front. Tidied up his discipline after that and made an impressive number of tackles in the first half alone. Continued his stoic defensive work in the second 40, handling some exceptional ball runners.
7. Tom Christie – 5
Was employed as a carrier early. Was stoic in defence but the dynamic play of the Drua’s loose forwards was consistently gaining front foot ball, especially in the second 40.
8. Christian Lio-Willie – 6.5
Was one of few Crusaders to claim some post-contact meters when carrying but like the rest of the visitor’s forward pack, Lio-Willie struggled to impose himself on the match.
9. Willi Heinz – 5
Early kicking game was poor. Spent much of the game tidying up scrappy ball. Excellent job disrupting what would have been the Fijian’s second try. Produced better clearances in the second half.
10. Fergus Burke – 4
Struggled to influence the game and looked rushed in his distributions throughout. Nailed a clutch kick in the 78th minute to give his side the lead.
11. Macca Springer – 5
Only managed a couple of touches but had moments where he showed some good defensive work rate.
12. David Havili – N/A
Off early.
13. Braydon Ennor – 6.5
Ennor’s rugby IQ is better suited to more structured games but when he could make sense of the Drua’s attack, his defensive reads were on point. Proved his fitness in the heat but had limited impact on the match.
14. Sevu Reece – 7
Reece clearly loves this matchup and didn’t hesitate to challenge his opposite Eroni “the sledgehammer” Sau in contact. Managed a couple of decent touches early but didn’t see the ball again until the final 10 minutes – where he scored a great try to get the Crusaders back in the game.
15. Chay Fihaki – 5
Had some shaky touches in the first half but came out more composed in the second 40. Has a tendency to go charging into contact regardless of the support around him. Wasn’t able to deploy his monster boot in a game where it could have been a real asset.
Replacements:
16. Ioane Moananu – 6
Displayed great enthusiasm, carrying hard. Not immune to handling errors, dropping one as he was nailed by a Fijian player.
17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin – 5.5
Came on and quickly won a scrum penalty and had some go either way after that.
18. Seb Calder – 5
19. Zach Gallagher – 5
20. Corey Kellow – 6.5
Found himself as the last line of defence down the left wing and dropped the tackle on a rampaging Joseva Tamani. squared up the attack with a few runs, providing a rare glimpse at a stable attacking foundation for the Crusaders.
21. Noah Hotham – 7
Hotham continues to impress with his attacking instincts and skillset. Dropped the final kickoff, ultimately leading to the Drua’s match-winning kick.
22. Taha Kemara – 5
23. Dallas McLeod – 7.5
McLeod came on early for an injured David Havili and injected himself into the match quickly. Attacked the Fijian line with perhaps the most enthusiasm of any Crusaders player and proved his physicality was up to the test.
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
5 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
5 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to comments