The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has created history as they stunned Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific defending champions the Crusaders 25-24 in a thriller at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Kemu Valetini kicked a penalty in injury time to seal the win for the Drua.
The Drua players played the game of their lives as they shocked the Crusaders in many facets of the game.
The Crusaders dominated the early exchanges and they got a 12-0 lead.
The Drua were unfazed by this as Iosefo Masi picked up a loose ball inside his own half and raced away to get the Drua’s first try.
The Drua had another chance to score but they were unsuccessful as the Crusaders took a 12-5 halftime lead.
The Drua started to dominate the second half and fullback Ilaisa Droasese scored next to the post to level the scores.
Joseva Tamani who has been having a stellar season then dived over for the third try before the returning Eroni Sau got on the score sheet as the Drua were leading 22-12.
The Crusaders got two quick tries to take a 24-22 lead in the last minute of the match.
The Drua were awarded a scrum from a Crusaders knock on and from that play they attacked the Crusaders line and got a penalty.
Kemu Valetini did not make any mistakes as he slotted the penalty and sent the crowd at Churchill Park into a frenzy.
Drua Captain Tevita Ikanivere says they could feel the fans as the 16th player on the field.
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett has congratulated the Drua for their historic win.
Match Report
77th minute - The Crusaders get their fourth try. Conversion is successful. Drua 22 vs Crusaders 24
74th minute - Sevu Reece gets the Crusaders first points of the second half. Conversion unsuccessful. Drua 22 vs Crusaders 17
67th minute - Eroni Sau powers over for the Drua's fourth try. Conversion unsuccessful. Drua 22- 12
65th minute - The Drua have completey stunned the Crusaders with brilliant attacking and defence.
60th minute - Joseva Tamani scores another try for Fijian Drua.
54th minute - The Drua are now dominating possession and terrority as the Crusaders make mistakes.
50th minute - Ilaisa Droasese scores a try next to the post to send the crowd in a frenzy. Conversion is successful. Drua 12 vs Crusaders 12.
46th minute - Drua wins a scrum penalty against the Crusaders and they opt for a lineout.
42nd minute - Drua win a turnover inside Crusaders half and go on the attack.
Second half - Fijian Drua vs Crusaders
35th minute - Apisalome Vota knockson after a brilliant break from Frank Lomani. Drua 5 vs Crusaders 12
30th minute - Iosefo Masi picks up a loose ball and races away to score a try. The conversion is unsuccessful . Drua 5 vs Crusaders 12
29th minute - Eroni Sau with a big hit on Sevu Reece and wins a turnover
25th minute - Drua keep the pressure on and get another penalty. Sevu Reece manages to clear the danger.
24th minute - Drua get a penalty close to the Crusaders try line
21st minute - Relentless pressure from the Crusaders as they score from a maul. Conversion successful. Drua 0 vs Crusaders 12
17th minute - Sam Whitelock loses possession as he was trying to score a try.
14th minute - Crusaders get a scrum inside the Drua half as the Drua concede a knockon
11th minute - The Crusaders cross over for the first try from a set piece move from the lineout. Conversion unsuccessful. Drua 0 vs Crusaders 5
10th minute - Drua concede a penalty in their 22 as the Crusaders go for a lineout.
5th minute - Drua maintain possession and are mounting the pressure on the Crusaders defence but Sam Whitelock wins a turnover.
3rd minute - Drua gets a penalty inside Crusaders 22. They opt for the kick. Teti Tela misses from the front.
2nd minute - Drua get a penalty as the Crusaders were offside.
1st minute - Crusaders get possession from the kick-off and go on the attack. Drua turnover and get a penalty.
Kick-off
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s standards were exceptional as they were playing some great quality rugby.
In an interview with fijivillage News after the match, this was stated by Crusaders winger Sevu Reece, who says Drua will upset more teams this season.
He says it is the best feeling ever to play in the West in front of the family especially his mum and dad.
Reece says they cannot blame the weather for their loss.
Reece also says he is a big fan of Fiji 7s star Jerry Tuwai.
Meanwhile, the Drua created history as they beat the Crusaders 25-24.
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I can do better.
That is the message from Joseva Tamani who is having a stellar season for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
While speaking after the historic 25-24 win over the Crusaders, Tamani says big credit to the players as the hard work has paid off.
Tamani who scored a try in the match is hoping for the same crowd support in their other home games.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua halfback Frank Lomani says they really played their hearts out for all the Drua fans and families.
While speaking after the historic win, Lomani says this win is for everyone.
Lomani says the culture in the team is unlike any other and the players are really close to each other.
He adds all players are committed.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Crusaders have arrived at Churchill Park for their clash at 3.35pm.
Stay with us for live updates.
Nick and Aileen from Taranaki, New Zealand are in the country to witness the 100th match of the Crusaders captain Scott Barrett.
They live in the same area as Scott in Taranaki and follow the same club.
Nick says they want to celebrate the milestone with him.
Nick says they also expecting a unique experience and are looking forward for fun and entertainment.
The Taranaki couple believe with the Drua playing in Fiji, more Kiwis might come to Fiji.
The Drua will face the Crusaders at 3.35pm today.
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Swire Shipping Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans says it is quite humbling to be hosting defending champions, the Crusaders in Lautoka.
In an interview with fijivillage News, Evans says Fijians have been watching Super Rugby for so many years and to have a full season in Fiji and the first game could not have been better opponents.
Evans says the sitting capacity will be close to about 13,200.
He further says when compared to last year, there has been a lot of variation in the Drua’s game with the forwards also getting their fair share of tries.
The Drua will face the Crusaders at 3.35pm today.
With the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua taking on the Crusaders in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific at 3.35pm today, a curtain-raiser match between the Fijian Drua Development squad and a Brisbane-based GPS Rugby Club will be played at 1pm at Churchill Park.
The development squad will also include the Drua under 20 players.
Some of the players featuring will include, Chris Minimbi, Jack Volavola, Kitione Taliga, Philip Baselala, Joji Kunavula, Rusiate Nasove, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and captain Kalione Nasoko.
Gates open at 12.30 today.
The excitement is building for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s first home game in the 2023 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
As the Drua prepares to face the defending champions, the Crusaders, fijivillage News caught up with some fans who have been waiting to get inside Churchill Park from early morning today.
While majority of the fans will be cheering for the Drua, there are some who will be cheering for the Crusaders.
Some fans bought their tickets almost a month ago and they are excited to see their Super Rugby team in action while some fans have come from overseas.
People who used to cheer for teams such as the Crusaders have changed their allegiance to the Drua.
The Drua will take on the Crusaders at 3.35pm today.
Stay with us for live updates on fijivillage.
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