Week three in Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and that means it’s time to welcome the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua home to Lautoka.

What a welcome it’s going to be. But first, let’s reflect on last week.

After the highs of Auckland when the Drua managed a gutsy come from behind win over Moana Pacifika, they came back to earth in Melbourne after a heavy loss to the NSW Waratahs during the Super Round last weekend.

It was all looking good until the Tahs decided to take matters into their own hands in the second half and they put on 36 unanswered points, coming back from 17-10 down. If the Drua ever needed to be reminded that it’s an 80-minute game, they got the reminder in Melbourne.

It was further proof that this is still a work in progress. The fact that the Drua was down to 13 men at one stage in the second half obviously didn’t help, and it led to a loss of structure which in turn creates frustration and poor discipline at times.

It all played into the hands of the more experienced Waratahs. Coach Mick Byrne was still able to pull some positives from the loss. He felt the 15 minutes before half time was some of the best rugby the Drua has played.

Now he wants that physicality and intensity to start from the kick off in Lautoka today.

He knows his players can play the full 80 because they did it in week one.

He says they’re now more confident around the physicality and he wants them to go out and test themselves against the best.

As we saw at times last year, the players responded to a loss and turned in a big effort the following week.

Now they can’t wait to play in front of home fans, family and friends. Coach Byrne likes to call them the Drua’s 16th player.

But the Drua have a mountain to climb as they attempt to get back into the winner’s circle this Saturday.

That mountain is the Crusaders who bounced back from a shock first up loss to the Chiefs in Christchurch by smashing the Highlanders 52-15 in Melbourne.

It was an very impressive display by the defending champs and I know they’re hoping to turn on a show for the Fiji fans on Saturday.

They’ve won 18 of their last 20 away games and they beat the Drua by 58 points last year.

Scott Robertson’s team have proven All Blacks as well as some rising stars. Just who he decides to select this week won’t really matter as the Crusaders have plenty of depth.

They are defending champs after all. It’ll be a special occasion for the Barrett family as one of the three All Blacks, Scott, is playing his 100th Super Rugby game.

That’ll give the visitors even more motivation.

His father Kevin will be on hand to celebrate post-match.

Last year the Drua players were in awe of the Crusaders’ stars but not so much this year now that they’re Super Rugby players themselves.

Coach Byrne jokingly asked his players to wait until after the game to get autographs and selfies.

But that was 2022. I’ve been really impressed with some of the Drua players in the two games so far.

Tevita Ikanivere, Kitione Salawa and Jo Tamani were stand outs last week.

I sense that the scrum and line out is working better this year, when there is a full contingent on the pitch.

The forward pack once again has to front up and lay a platform for the backs.

Ravouvou, Masi and Ravutaumada will ask plenty of questions of the Crusaders’ defence if they get front foot ball.

There are 11 changes and eight new faces in this week’s match day 23 compared with last week.

I’m looking forward to seeing the return of Api Vota in the centres and Eroni Sau will make his debut on the left wing.

Club captain Meli Derenalagi is a step closer to regaining his spot in the starting side after a long injury break, making his return to play via the bench.

So all roads lead to Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.

It doesn’t get much better than when your Fijian Drua gets to play Rugby Royalty, the Crusaders I’ll be calling all the action with Sam Wykes and Kara Koroi.

If you can’t get a ticket, please tune in and enjoy what will be a great occasion.