Ponipate Loganimasi of Fijian Drua runs with the ball. Photo: Getty Images
Still stinging from their shock loss to Moana Pasifika last week, the Crusaders have bounced back in convincing style, overpowering Fijian Drua 31-14 for their first-ever Super Rugby win at Suva's ANZ Stadium.
Halfback Noah Hotham had the visitors on top quickly, scoring in the corner in the third minute, with lock Antonio Shalfoon and winger Chay Fihaki following suit for a 17-0 halftime advantage.
Both teams made a slew of handling errors in the hot and humid conditions, but the Crusaders put the game beyond reach, when winger Macca Springer and hooker Ioane Moananu added two more tries in the second half.
Down 31-0, the Drua enjoyed a brief period of dominance, running in back-to-back tries by Isikeli Rabitu and Etonia Waqa from deep inside their own half, but they simply ran out of time to mount a full comeback, as their rivals controlled the clock to preserve their lead.
"We were embarrassed last week and really questioned our mindset," reflected Crusaders captain Codie Taylor. "We knew we had to turn up today and right a few wrongs.
"We knew the Drua were coming off a loss and a bye, and it would be a tough game. We talked about this being one of the hardest places in the world to play.
"It proved so again today, but we're proud we got the job done."
The Crusaders now overhaul Queensland Reds for second on the competition table, behind the Chiefs, and now have a short turnaround to visit the Hurricanes next Friday.
The Drua remain mired at the bottom of the ladder for their visit to Dunedin to face the Highlanders next Saturday.
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