“We had multiple opportunities down there, particularly around our lineout and we just weren’t sharp and clinical like we’d hoped.
Poor execution is the reason why the Crusaders suffered a 20-10 loss to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in Round Three of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka, last Saturday.
This was the view of Crusaders captain Scott Barrett, who walked straight to the dressing room and did not attend the (after the match) press conference.
“We just didn’t execute,” Barrett said.
“We had multiple opportunities down there, particularly around our lineout and we just weren’t sharp and clinical like we’d hoped.
“We were clear on our game plan. It was pretty simple and we just didn’t execute. Greasy ball, little opportunities and you give the Fijian Drua a sniff and they’ll really punish you.”
Sevu Reece pictured with his dad, William, mother Amelia, sister Esther (front), nephew William and a supporter (back) after the game at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on March 9, 2024. Photo: Charles Chambers
How we rate the Drua players
- Haeireiti Hetet- He was strong in the scrum, made strong carries, defended well and played strongly from the first whistle to the last. Never gave up despite copping a few hard knocks: 8
- Tevita Ikanivere- Made explosive runs and was superb in general play but he needs to focus on his lineout throws: 7.5
- Jone Koroiduadua- Took time to settle into the game especially in the scrums: 7
- Mesake Vocevoce- Another good performance in the lineouts and also in general play. He made 17 carries, the most in the match: 7.5
- Leone Rotuisolia- He was always in the think of things battling for possession. Made 13 carries and used his experience well to guide Vocevoce: 7
- Etonia Waqa: He has settled well into the blindside flanker’s berth. Waqa was always hassling the Crusaders loose forwards for possession. At the lineouts he won the Drua crucial balls and also made three turnovers: 8
- Vilive Miramira- His first run saw him burst through three Crusaders players and that was what he did throughout the game. He was also strong in defence and kept pressuring the Crusaders hooker into making mistakes with his lineout throws: 7.
- Meli Derenalagi- Played a captain’s game and the Drua’s stats revealed that he made the most tackles with 13 carries as well: 7.5
- Frank Lomani- Played one of his outstanding games in the competition. Made several try saving tackles and controlled the game well: 7.5
- Isaiah Armstrong- Ravula- A star performer with a 100 per cent kicking record. Always ready to set the backline into motion: 7.5
- Epeli Momo- He needs to be more involved in the game by coming inside to look for work. Still work in progress as he’ll need more game time to improve: 6
- Apisalome Vota- A strong runner but has become one-dimensional and is very predictable: 6
- Iosefo Masi- Defended well and was always probing the Crusaders defence. He was very much-involved in the game and even made one turnover: 7.5
- Selestino Ravutaumada- Put on another mesmerising performance. He scored a try in the win with his elusive runs. However, he lost the ball four times into the match: 7
- Ilaisa Droasese: Showed maturity at fullback. He took his options well, great under the high ball and made good decisions when he had the ball in hand: 7.5
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
