Penny expects tough encounter

IN today’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Crusaders head coach Rod Penny anticipates a fierce showdown against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.

Both teams are aiming for their first victory after losses in the initial rounds.

Penny expressed his team’s readiness for the challenge, highlighting the unusual rugby kickoff time of 1.05 pm in Fiji. Despite the challenging conditions, Penny believes his players are prepared to rise to the occasion.

“You go to Fiji on holiday, 1.30 in the afternoon, normally you are seeking shade and probably having a nap. But we will be kicking a rugby ball off,” Crusaders coach Rob Penney said this week.

“It will be very challenging, but it’s nothing that we don’t get, don’t understand. The players have done it before, and it’s just something they’ve got to get up for.”

The match is expected to draw a sizable crowd, with fans eagerly anticipating the showdown between the two sides.

Worst start

If the Crusaders lose to Drua later today, it would be their worst start to a Super Rugby competition since 1999 when they lost three of their opening matches.

This, according to 1News, has Penny looking to lead his side to their first victory for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific Season.

Looking back to their past two matches, Penney said errors and turnovers were damaging the team’s ability to hit opponents as they conceded 17 turnovers in the 37-24 loss to the Waratahs during the Super Round.

“I think we had 36 opportunities with the ball and 18 of them turned into errors and turnovers,” Penney said.

“It’s never easy in an organisation that prides itself on being able to get across the line when challenging times occur.

“I’m not questioning the players’ resolve; it’s been a long time since the Crusaders have been in this sort of place.”