Ikanivere praises teammates for the hard fight

“IT was unreal today, it was epic,” said Swire Shipping Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere after recorded the biggest win of their two seasons in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday with a stunning 25-24 upset of the reigning champion Canterbury Crusaders in front of a passionate home crowd in Lautoka.

“The boys came out in the second half firing and we did the job, we got the win. We had the belief we could do it and we came and defeated a great Crusaders team.

“And what better way to do it than in front of our home crowd.”

It was a second defeat in three matches this season for the sometimes slow-starting Crusaders.

“I guess that’s not what we wanted, but we got what we expected, that’s a tough Drua side playing at home,” said Crusaders captain Scott Barrett, who was playing his 100th Super Rugby match.

“We saw how dangerous they were, they capitalised with their skill, running play. Congratulations to the Drua on their win.”

❏ Fijian Drua 25 (Iosefo Masi, Joseva Tamani, Eroni Sau, Ilaisa Droasese tries; Teti Tela con, Kemu Valetini pen)

❏ Crusaders 24 (Quentin MacDonald 2, Ioane Moananu, Sevu Reece tries; Fergus Burke 2 con) HT: 5-12

❏ Drua (1-15): Meli Tuni, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Eroni Sau, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

❏ Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Kalaveti Ravouvou

❏ Crusaders (1-15): George Bower, Quentin MacDonald, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Fergus Blake, Macca Springer, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki

❏ Reserves: Ioane Moannu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Zach Gallagher, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Dallas McLeod