Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham is preparing for a challenging matchup against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at HFC Stadium in Suva. Hotham has firsthand experience with the Drua, having faced them in 2023, where the Crusaders suffered a narrow defeat, 24-25. Despite the tough memories, he expressed excitement about playing in Fiji, describing it as one of his favorite locations in the competition.
In his reflections on heritage, Hotham shared that his grandmother was born in Suva and raised in Levuka, making this match even more meaningful for him. He enjoys learning about his family’s history and takes pride in his Fijian roots.
Teammate Chay Fihaki, who hails from Lautoka, echoed Hotham’s sentiments, acknowledging the challenges ahead but remaining eager for the opportunity. “It’s going to be a tough game,” he noted, recognizing the Drua’s intent to end their losing streak on home soil.
This encounter comes at a critical time for both teams, as the Crusaders look to regain their form after a surprising loss to Moana Pasifika, while the Drua also aim to bounce back after struggling in recent matches. Head Coach Glen Jackson has assembled a strong lineup, aiming to leverage the support of the home crowd to inspire a victory.
The match kicks off at 3:35 PM, and it symbolizes an important opportunity for the Drua to tap into their historical successes against the Crusaders and transform those past performances into motivation for their current campaign. The anticipated atmosphere is expected to uplift the players as they strive to turn recent setbacks into a powerful performance.
With supporters rallying behind the Drua, this clash is a hopeful moment for the team to restore their confidence and assert their strength in this competitive season. Fans are encouraged to attend, promising a thrilling display of rugby that embodies the spirit of the game and the community.
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