Captain: We’ll Try
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Meli Derenalagi believes that his men will lift their standard when they face the Crusaders on Friday.
He made the comment after the Drua’s 34-19 triumph over Moana Pasifika at the CommBank Stadium in Parramatta on Saturday.
After the win, Derenalagi and his men have shifted their focus to the Crusaders.
“For most of us growing up, the Crusaders have always been our best team,” he said.
“This week we will be playing against them so we discussed that we will be playing the best team in Super Rugby.
“If we can do it to the Blues then we can with the Crusaders.”
The Drua took the Blues to the wire before bowing out 35-18.
“We will try and lift our standard to compete with them (Crusaders) in our next game.
“It’s a short turn around and they would have sat back with their reviews today with an extra day rest.
“There is a short week to prepare for the Crusaders we don’t have a lot of time. However, we just need to get on with the job.
Drua head coach, Mick Bryne said, we are looking forward to the game.
“They’ve watched Super Rugby from a far especially for a team that has won many (Super Rugby) title many times.
“The boys are really looking forward of going down there (Christchurch) and taking them on.”
However, Byrne said for the short turn around they need to focus on their recovery and preparations as well.
“We will make sure that we get our games right, if we go over there and give them our best game and see if they can stop our best game.
“We want to walk off that field knowing that we played a good game and we will be proud of what we do.”
The Crusaders have a special tie with the Fijians.
Over the years, Fijian players who have represented Crusaders include Marika Vunibaka, Vilimoni Delasau, Nemani Nadolo, Jone Macilai, Setareki Tamanivalu, Sevu Reece, George Bower, Chay Finhaki and Kini Naholo.
Also current Crusaders forward coach Jason Ryan is the Flying Fijians assistant coach to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
The match kicks off at 7.05pm