Fijian Drua vs Crusaders Predictions - Drua backed to get close on home soil

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 07 Mar 2024

Marc Thomas 07 Mar 2024

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Tips for Fijian Drua vs Crusaders in Super Rugby on Saturday
Drua beat the Crusaders during the regular season in 2023
Can the visitors avoid a 3rd straight loss?

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Can the visitors avoid a 3rd straight loss? (Getty Images)

Fijian Drua vs Crusaders Predictions

The Crusaders are favourites for this clash with an eight-point handicap. They have not lost their opening three games since 1996, and I expect them to avoid it this weekend. However, the Drua are strong on home soil so I fancy the hosts to get inside eight points.

Fijian Drua vs Crusaders Predictions
Head to Head
Fijian Drua Form
Fijian Drua Injuries & Team News
Crusaders Form
Crusaders Injuries & Team News

Fijian Drua have won 4 of their last 5 matches in Fiji.
Crusaders have won 2 of their last 3 matches against Fijian Drua.
Crusaders have lost their last 2 matches.
Crusaders have not lost their opening 3 matches of a season since 1996.

Head to Head

The Crusaders have won two of their three matches against Fijian Drua, including the Super Rugby quarterfinal last season. During the regular season in 2023, Drua beat the Crusaders 25-24 in a major upset.

Fijian Drua Form

Fijian Drua will be disappointed with their start to the season. Last year they made the quarterfinal and would have hoped for the same in 2024.

While it is still well within their reach, the Drua have lost their opening two games. In round one, Drua went down 34-10 at the Blues before losing to Moana 39-36 last weekend in Melbourne.

It was a cracking game at the weekend and one Drua will probably feel they should have won. They will have to tighten up on defence to keep far better sides than Moana out though.

Fijian Drua Injuries & Team News

I expect a few changes to the Drua side who are in need of a win before their season spirals downwards.

Crusaders Form

It is not often that the Crusaders lose two games in a row but that is how they have begun their title defence in 2024. On the opening weekend, the champions lost away to the Chiefs, a result that wasn’t completely unexpected.

However, in Melbourne last weekend, the Crusaders were poor against the Waratahs, losing the match 37-24. They will want far better this weekend from their players.

Crusaders Injuries & Team News

Last season the Crusaders rested a host of players for this fixture and lost it by a point. I don’t see them making the same mistake and risk suffering three straight losses.

Verdict

Fijian Drua v Crusaders

Fijian Drua are backed to get within eight points on home soil against a struggling Crusaders side.

Fijian Drua +8

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