We Were Punished For The Mistakes We Did: Nagusa
The last-minute withdrawal of star winger Vinaya Habosi and Kitione Taliga took the fight out of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as they were walloped 61-3 by the Crusaders in Christchurch tonight.
Former Reds utility back Ilaisa Droasese started at fullback and put on a promising performance while Tuidraki Samusamuvodre was on the wing.
Drua captain Nemani Nagusa said they had some mistakes and the Crusaders punished them for that as they ran in nine tries to nil.
“We’ll take all the learnings and come back-a-much better side,” Nagusa said.
What happened: The hosts were 7-0 up in the 3rd minute after a cross kick from Ferguson Burke found an unmarked Leicester Fainga’anuku to dot down the first try. Burke added the extras.
The Drua put on 13 phases but failed to make a progress and instead won a penalty with Teti Tela booting it over to narrow the deficit 7-3.
The Crusaders threw the ball around as they upped the tempo with flanker Tom Christie crossing over for the second try and Burke converting it.
The Drua had their moments but a break by Peni Matawalu was foiled by Samusamuvodre as he opted to kick and the ball went out on the full.
Tireless flanker Mesulame Dolokoto did well to win possession but the failure of the backline to break the Crusaders defence halted their progress.
Crusaders kept on the momentum with veteran lock Sam Whitelock scoring their third try and Burke converted for a 21-3 lead. Veteran Drua prop came in to replace injured Samuela Tawake.
Minutes before halftime Reece strolled over for the fourth try and Buke made not mistake with the conversion.
Halftime: Crusaders 28-3 Drua
It was all Crusaders in the second half with tries to Reece, Christie, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge and Burke. Drua winger Selestino Ravutaumada was yellow carded for a controversial tackle on Christie.
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