Bring it on!

CRUSADERS head coach Scott Robertson said something that will resonate with Fijian rugby fans. Fiji, he said, is a special place to play rugby! Super Rugby Pacific’s most successful coach knows what he is up against when they face the might of the Fijian Drua today.

“We are really privileged to be here in a rugby mad country where there is a lot of Crusaders and Fijian Drua supporters,” said the former All Blacks flanker.

Call it what you want to! Psychological! Strategy!

It is what it is though.

The Crusaders, Robertson said, are expecting a packed Churchill Park this afternoon as they face the Fijian Drua on their home ground for the very first time.

“We will embrace both the weather and the Fijian crowd. The heat can be a major factor but it is one of the challenges of world rugby, coming to the islands and we are thankful to be here.”

Robertson knows what to expect from the Drua at home.

The Chiefs and the Highlanders were stretched to the wire here last season.

It’s a reflection of how tough it is to play the Drua at home.

The Crusaders expect the Drua to offload the ball and are expecting flashes of individual brilliance as well.

For local fans, today offers an opportunity to watch a top quality opposition brimming with New Zealand All Blacks stars.

All Blacks lock and Crusaders captain Scott Barrett, for instance, will play his 100th match for the side.

Robertson, who is widely tipped to succeed Ian Foster for New Zealand rugby’s top coaching position as the head coach of the All Blacks brings in a wealth of knowledge, experience and excitement.

The Crusaders head in as hot favourites following their thrashing 52-15 win over the Highlanders last week. That win, however, came in the wake of a shocking 10-31 loss to the Chiefs in the first round.

Having defeated Moana Pasifika 36-34 in round one, the Drua succumbed 17-46 to the NSW Waratahs last weekend.

However, playing at home is different. It is special! The fans know that.

And Fijian fans can be very passionate about the game. The Chiefs and Highlanders experienced that last season.

This afternoon, the Drua will be riding on that expectation. They will be banking on that support base to raise their game, and take it to the Crusaders.

It’ll definitely not be a walk in the park, but the fans know what hope can bring. They know what can happen if the Drua find their rhythm, and believe in themselves!

In saying that, we reflect on opportunities, and the importance of the competition for our game.

We reflect on standards, expectations, enthusiasm and passion.

We reflect on dreams and hopes and aspirations. What a breath of fresh air for rugby fans, to be able to witness top class action right here in Fiji! We say bring it on!