What Inspired Us To Win, Ikanivere Tells
Divine intervention and crowd support were the reasons behind the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s upset 25-24 win over the defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champions Crusaders at Churchill Park, Lautoka, this afternoon.
“I thank the Lord Almighty for making this happen,” said Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere after the match.
“And to our supporters, we could feel you while in the field and they were our 16th man.”
Ikanivere said they were focused on beating the Crusaders, right from their first training run on Monday.
In a thriller, the Crusaders while trailing 22-12 scored two late tries, one to Sevu Reece and replacement hooker Ioane Moananu with Fergus Burke adding the conversions for a 24-22 lead, with less than four minutes to go.
From the kick-off the Drua regained possession and drove deep into the Crusaders territory and was able to win a penalty through tireless flanker Kitione Salawa. Debutant Kemu Valetini converted it for the win.
The visitors centered their game around veteran lock forwards Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett and took an early 12-0 lead with two tries from hooker Quentin MacDonald, which came from rolling mauls.
The Drua’s try came when a loose ball was picked up by Iosefo Masi and dashed over to score with Teti Tela missing the conversion. They trailed 12-5 at halftime.
The Drua levelled the scores 12-12 with a try to full-back Ilaisa Droasese and Tela added the extras.
It was all Drua, as they ran hard at the Crusaders defence with halfback Frank Lomani varying their attacking moves.
From a set move, Selesitino Ratvutaumada ran in as first receiver to deceive the Crusaders defence and Lomani sent out a long pass to flanker Joseva Tamani to score a try in the corner to the joy of the crowd as they led 19-12 for the first time.
Salawa, was at his best in defence and turning over possession. He scooped a pass from Apisalome Vota and side stepped two Crusaders players before slipping a pass to Eroni Sau to score a try on his Super Rugby debut.
Feedbacks: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
