Crusaders head coach Rob Penney is looking for consistency to turn around his side’s disappointing start to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Penney said errors and turnovers were damaging the team’s ability to hit opponents as they conceded 17 turnovers in the 37-24 loss to the Waratahs during the Super Round.
The Crusaders missed 31 tackles against the Chiefs and a further 21 against the Waratahs.
“I think we had 36 opportunities with the ball and 18 of them turned into errors and turnovers…we’re better than that,” Penney said.
If the Crusaders were to lose against the Fijian Drua on Saturday, it would be their worst start to a Super Rugby season since 1996 which is the only time the Crusaders have lost their opening three matches.
“It’s never easy in an organisation that prides itself on being able to get across the line when challenging times occur.
“I’m not questioning the players' resolve, it’s been a long time since the Crusaders have been in this sort of place.
Both the Crusaders and the Drua are yet to taste victory this season and won’t want to be left lagging behind the early-season pace-setters.
The Drua managed to secure a 25-24 win against the Crusaders in Lautoka last season, so don’t count out the Fijian side on worsening the Crusaders' start to the season.
The Crusaders have bolstered their ranks with the signing of former Welsh international Johnny McNicholl who Penney said will provide good depth and injury cover.
Crusaders are missing Will Jordan and Leigh Halfpenny to long-term injuries so McNicholl adds experience to a backline that is still trying to find its feet in Super Rugby.
“He has a massive history here… he’s a Crusader, he gets it.”
Crusaders team to play Fijian Drua in Lautoka on Saturday, kick-off 2.05pm, is: George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Dom Gardiner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Taha Kemara, Manasa Mataele, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Mitch Drummon, Jone Rova, Riley Hohepa.
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