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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
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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