Barrett extends contract
ALL BLACKS forward Scott Barrett will continue to play his rugby in New Zealand until at least the end of 2025.
The Crusaders captain has put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him remain in Christchurch for Super Rugby Pacific while being aligned with Taranaki at provincial level.
“I am excited to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Taranaki for two more years,” Barrett said. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to represent these teams which I love playing for.” New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson added: “Scott is well-respected by team-mates, management and fans across the game. We’ve watched him grow into a leader at all levels and are delighted to continue working alongside him.”
Since making his All Blacks debut in 2016, Barrett has amassed 58 Test appearances and is one of the most consistent performers on the international stage.
ERONI ‘The Sledgehammer’ Sau will get his first taste of Shop N Save Super Rugby when he runs our for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side against the champion Crusaders at Churchill Park in Lautoka tomorrow.
Sau was a ‘Drua original’, playing a key role with the NRC Drua team which won Australia’s National Rugby Championship title in 2018.
He brings with him top level experience, having played for the Flying Fijians and Edinburgh in Europe.
The side also sees the return of club captain Meli Derenalagi off the bench. The Olympic Games gold medallist had a long injury layoff after an undergoing ACL surgery.
A potential debut is also in line for flyhalf Kemu Valetini, the younger brother of Brumbies and Wallabies breakaway Rob. Valetini turned out for the Drua during the pre-season trial against the Melbourne Rebels last month.
The front row for the big match includes young Meli Tuni at tighthead, who returns after a long-term injury. Partnering him at loosehead prop is Jone Koroiduadua, who missed the Waratahs match last week. Tevita Ikanivere, who has three tries in two games this season, is at hooker and will captain the team.
Second rowers Isoa Nasilasila and Ratu Leone Rotuisolia start again as locks for this match. Joseva Tamani is at blindside flanker, with Drua’s leading tackler Kitione Salawa holding on to his openside flanker’s jersey. Accompanying them in the backrow for his first start in a Drua jersey is the hard-running Elia Canakaivata, who will start as the number 8 loose forward.
Leading the backline, Frank Lomani and Teti Tela are back in the halves. In another interesting change this week, powerful centre Apisalome Vota slots in at inside centre and will pair Iosefo Masi. Selestino Ravutaumada who is on the right wing. Ilaisa Droasese is back at fullback for the match.
Impact off the bench will come from Flying Fijians hooker Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, big Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Valetini and Kalaveti Ravouvou.
The match kicks off at 3.35pm.