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Recap: Super Rugby Pacific R3 night two blog
By Finn Morton
Defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders have travelled to Lautoka, Fiji, for an exciting clash against the Drua at Churchill Park.
The Drua will host the competition heavyweights in their first Super Rugby home game this season at Churchill Park on Saturday.
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett will play his 100th game for the decorated New Zealand franchise, nine years after his debut against England in an exhibition match.
Barrett has been named to start in the No. 4 jersey, and will lead a new-look side out onto Churchill Park for the round three blockbuster.
Following their vintage display against South Island rivals the Highlanders in Super Round, the Crusaders have made eight changes to their starting XV.
All Blacks Mitchell Drummond and Richie Mo’unga have not been included in the matchday 23, with Crusaders coach Scott Robertson selecting an intriguing halves combination for this clash.
England international Willi Heinz will start at halfback, while Fergus Burke has been handed an opportunity to impress in the coveted No. 10 jumper for the Saders.
Once the full time siren has sounded in Fiji, the rugby world will turn its attention to a New Zealand derby between the undefeated Hurricanes and the Blues.
The Barrett brothers will go head-to-head in this mouth-watering clash at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.
Hurricanes fans are daring to dream after a promising start to the campaign against Australian opposition. The Canes beat the Reds in round one, before sneaking past the Rebels in Melbourne last week.
But their biggest test is yet to come.
The Blues will be hungry – desperate even – to avenge their five-point loss to the Brumbies in Super Round.
It’s only round three, but this match is shaping up as a crucial encounter for both teams. There’s plenty on the line already.
Flyhalf Brett Cameron is set to make his Hurricanes debut, after missing the opening two rounds due to injury.
Super Rugby action continues into the night, as the Brumbies host the Reds in Canberra. This derby has become one of the most fierce rivals in southern hemisphere rugby.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has begun drafting a potential Test, but a number of players will be eager to remind him of their talents in round three.
Finally, the Western Force will host Moana Pasifika in a late game over in Perth.
Both teams are coming off big losses, and will want to repay the faith shown by their passionate supporters with a victory.
NIGHT ONE WRAP
Chiefs defeated the Highlanders 28-7 in Hamilton
Rebels beat the Waratahs 34-27 in Melbourne
The ladder-leading Chiefs recorded their third bonus point win over the season with a convincing display against the Highlanders at FMG Stadium.
As for the Highlanders, their season has gone from bad to worse – losing their third match to open their campaign.
Fullback Shaun Stevenson had another eye-catching performance for the Hamilton-based outfit, having crossed for a second-half double.
Across the ditch, rising star Carter Gordon had his best match in a Rebels jersey as they beat the NSW Waratahs by seven-points at AAMI Park.
The Waratahs showed plenty of fight throughout the second-half, but couldn’t reel in the Rebels’ desperate desire to win in front of their home fans.
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Latest Comments
I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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