Fijian Drua vs Crusaders
The Fijian Drua welcome the Crusaders to Churchill Park in Lautoka for this Super Rugby match. This is one of only three matches that the Drua get to play in their native Fiji so they are sure to be fired up for this encounter. They have been pleasantly boosted by the return of Eroni Sau after the winger left these shores years ago to pursue a career in Europe. The Crusaders have taken the opportunity to rest a few of their All Blacks in this match and it remains to be seen how wise a move this was.
TIP: The home team showed last season that they are a different beast when they play in Fiji and they will love nothing more than to do cause a massive upset against the champions. The visitors despite the changes of personnel still have a powerful pack and if they are to have a comfortable win then they will need to dominate the Drua pack. On the other hand if the home side can gain parity in the set piece battle, then they could shock the visitors. The bookies have the Crusaders as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.02, Gbets 1.02 and Hollywoodbets 1.02
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Fijian Drua vs Crusaders
- The only previous match between the sides was won 61-3 by the Crusaders.
Latest results for both teams
The Drua lost 47-16 to the Waratahs in their last match while the Crusaders beat the Highlanders 52-15 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Crusaders will want to avoid a match that has too much of broken play as this will play into the strength of the Fijian side. The Drua on the other hand will want to stay away from too many set pieces as this is the strength of the Crusaders. The man that will decide the outcome of this match is Drua flyhalf Teti Tela, if he is able to link up his dangerous backline players like Sau and Ilaisa Droasese then they can seriously hurt the visitors with their attacking game. The Crusaders will look to their experienced players like skipper Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett to guide the youngsters in the team. We are predicting a Crusaders win by 15 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Fijian Drua
15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Apisalome Vota, 11 Eroni Sau, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Jone Koroiduadua, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 1 Meli Tuni
Crusaders
15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 David Havili, 11 Macca Springer, 10 Fergus Blake, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tamaiti Williams, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 1 Joe Moody
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Crusaders victory are as follows:
Betway 1.02
Gbets 1.02
Hollywoodbets 1.02
Odds comparison on the Fijian Drua handicap:
The complete odds on the Fijian Drua handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+23.5)
Gbets 1.91 (+23.5)
Hollywoodbets1.90 (+23.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Crusaders outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+23.50, Gbets 1.91 (+23.5) and Hollywoodbets1.90 (+23.5)
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
