Crusaders vs Fijian Drua Predictions - Crusaders to cruise into semi-final

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 08 Jun 2023

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Marc Thomas 08 Jun 2023

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Watch Crusaders vs Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby quarter-final on Saturday (08:05 BST)
Hosts have won 9 of their last 11 games
Can Drua cause another incredible shock?

Expired

Crusaders can comfortably beat Drua in Super Rugby clash (Getty Images)

Crusaders vs Fijian Drua Preview

Drua beat a much-weakened Crusaders side earlier this season. I do not see this repeating itself, especially not in Christchurch. Fijian Drua have a poor away record having lost their last seven games outside of Fiji.

Crusaders vs Fijian Drua Preview
Head to Head
Crusaders Form
Crusaders Starting Lineup
Fijian Drua Form
Fijian Drua Starting Lineup

I’m backing the defending champs to cover the -22 handicap.

Crusaders have won 9 of their last 11 matches.
Fijian Drua have won their last 2 matches.
Fijian Drua have lost their last 7 away matches.

Head to Head

These two have met on two occasions, with the home team winning on each occasion. Earlier this season Drua beat the Crusaders 25-24 at home.

Crusaders Form

The Crusaders finished second on the Super Rugby table, 11 points behind the Chiefs. After the opening three weeks, the Crusaders would have snapped your hand off to go second after they lost two of their opening three fixtures.

One of those early defeats came at the hands of Fijian Drua, one of the more famous results in Super Rugby history perhaps. Although the Crusaders rested their entire first-choice side for that fixture, they will have learned to not take these Fijians lightly.

Last week the Crusaders lost their fourth match of the season, going down 27-26 to the Hurricanes. That, however, shouldn’t deter the defending champions this weekend.

Crusaders Starting Lineup

Crusaders (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Oliver Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo'unga, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan

Subs: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O'Neill, Zack Gallagher, Ethan Blackadder, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki

Fijian Drua Form

What a season the Drua have enjoyed. They were fantastic in their first ever Super Rugby season last time out, but this year they have taken another step up.

With six victories from their 14 matches, Fijian Drua managed to creep into seventh place, not a position many would have fancied them at the start of the season. They also get to play the Crusaders, a team they beat earlier this year.

To secure their maiden playoff berth, Drua won their last two games against Moana and the Reds.

Fijian Drua Starting Lineup

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahirwau Cirikidaveta, Vilive Miramira, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Teti Tela, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

Subs: : Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Samuela Tawake, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Michael Naitokani, Eroni Sau

Verdict

Crusaders v Fijian Drua

I am backing the Crusaders to cover the -22 handicap against Fijian Drua.

Crusaders -22

Handicap

@-109.89 - 5 Units

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