Super Rugby Pacfic: Fijian Drua stun Crusaders in historic upset

LAUTOKA, FIJI - MARCH 11:Eroni Sau on score line during the round three Super Rugby Pacific match between Fiji Drua and Crusaders at Churchill Park, on March 11, 2023, in Lautoka, Fiji. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)

Fijian Drua 25

Crusaders 24

In the third game of their second season in Super Rugby Pacific, the Fijian Drua have claimed one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.

In an error-ridden spectacle played in near 30-degree temperature in Lautoka, the Drua created one of rugby’s most magical moments with a last-minute 25-24 win over the champion Crusaders.

The capacity crowd of 13,000 at Churchill Park played their part, creating an electric atmosphere that clearly energised the home side, while the visitors struggled with the heat and their usually slick handling.

But the Drua were well worth their win in an inspired performance, in a match that ebbed and flowed and produced a grandstand finish.

Two first-half tries from hooker Quentin MacDonald helped the Crusaders to a somewhat surprising 12-5 halftime lead — the Drua looked the more likely team for the majority of the first 40 minutes but for some wayward goalkicking and a try-line tackle from Willie Heinz.

The Crusaders never really got going in the second half. Their lethargic movement was in stark contrast to the Drua’s boundless energy and pace — resulting in three quick second-half tries to Ilaisa Droasese, Joseva Tamani and Eroni Sau that gave the Drua a 10-point lead with as many minutes left.

The Crusaders sparked back into life in the 74th minute when Sevu Reece scored, with Ioane Moananu touching down soon after, to give Crusaders replacement first-five Fergus Burke the chance to be the hero with a sideline conversion.

He made it, but there was one final twist to come.

When Crusaders replacement Noah Hotham knocked on from the re-start, it gifted the Drua one last chance.

And when they earned a penalty advantage with the subsequent next phase it was a chance for Kemu Valentini, on debut, with his first kick of the match, to win it.

He drilled the ball straight down the middle for an unforgettable night for Fijian rugby.

The Crusaders made eight changes to the side that beat the Highlanders last weekend, and coach Scott Robertson will likely regret leaving out All Black No 10 Richie Mo’unga.

The Drua now have two wins from their first three games, while the Crusaders have just one.

Fijian captain Tevita Ikaniverse paid huge respect to the crowd for helping to get them over the line.

”The crowd was unreal today and the game was epic,” Ikaniverse said. “The boys came out in the second half firing and we got the job done.

”We thought anything was possible, we’d been preparing for this game since Monday. We had the belief and we defeated a great team that has been winning for six years in a row. And what better way to do it than in front of our home crowd.”

Scott Barrett, celebrating his 100th game, described the conditions as “challenging”.

”I guess that’s not what we wanted, but we got what we expected — a tough duel,” said Barrett.

”We didn’t play for 80 minutes. There were periods there where we turned our backs and you could see how dangerous they were and how they could capitalise with their running play.

”I’m gutted we couldn’t get the job done.”

Fijian Drua 25 (Iosefo Masi, Ilaisa Droasese, Joseva Tamani, Eroni Sau tries; Teti Tela con; Kemu Valetini pen).Crusaders 24 (Sevu Reece, Ioane Moananu, Quentin MacDonald 2 tries, Fergus Burke 2 cons). HT: 5-12.