There will be a new champion crowned at this year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition after defending champion the Crusaders were bundled out of the competition following the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s 40-19 win over the Melbourne Rebels this afternoon.
The Crusaders secured a 43-10 win over Moana Pasifika last night which moved them up to 8th place and were hoping that the Rebels could do them a favour by beating the Drua.
Crusaders Chief Executive Officer Colins Mansbridge says many results did not go their way and at times their on-field performance was not at the level they expected of themselves.
Mansbridge says they will now review and discuss where they can find improvements and they don’t want to make any rash decisions right now.
He says they want the team and organisation to operate to the standard they expect and every opportunity to improve is looked at.
He congratulated all the teams that have qualified for the quarter finals and says regardless of the result, they remain proud of their team and their club.
Mansbridge also acknowledged their supporters for their loyalty and their dedication towards the team.
Meanwhile, the Drua has moved up to 7th place in the Super Rugby Pacific points table after their win with the Rebels slipping down to 8th place.
The Drua will now await the results of other games tonight to determine their opponent in the quarter final.
In other matches today, the Hurricanes are currently playing the Highlanders, the Blues will play the Chiefs at 7.05pm, and the Force will host the Brumbies at 9.35pm.
