MANA, rugby ferocity and passion opened up the One NZ Stadium in Christchurch when the Crusaders v Waratahs opened the Super Round of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition on Friday.
And this time, as Christchurch hosts all Super Rugby teams with the exception of the Queensland Reds on a bye, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua also have the opportunity to earn another away-game win.
The team broke its away game jinx last Saturday in Canberra when it defeated the Brumbies in a 33-28 thriller that humbled the home team and liberated the visitors from an elusive badge of prestige that eluded them for three seasons.
Sailing to New Zealand’s South Island for this clash against the Chiefs means a reunion of their pre-season rivals who they have only met prior to this season in Mount Maunganui near Tauranga on the North Island in late January this year.
Speaking to journalists earlier this week, Jackson said the team had been in high spirits and were looking forward to tonight’s clash.
“The boys are in good spirits; we’re excited,” Jackson told the media.
“Now that Frank (Lomani) and Temo (Mayanavanua) are back, we’ve got a solid outfit that’s going to turn up and give it a good crack.”
Lomani and Mayanavanua have both returned from time off the pitch due to injuries sustained in earlier rounds.
In their absence, Isoa Nasilasila and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre took over co-captaincy roles as vice-captains.
