Drua will not be daunted by the challenge of taking on the Crusaders - Evans

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will not be daunted by the challenge of taking on defending champions the Crusaders who are going for a fifth consecutive title and while the Drua has done well during their home games, they are yet to translate that into regular away wins this season.

Drua CEO Mark Evans has made the team’s intention clear that their target in year two was to qualify for the finals.

Evans says he thinks it’s a stretch but felt it is realistic and says it’s not over yet.

He says the most important metric is team performance and they have won six games so far five of which were at home and they are playing better because they have had a year together.

Evans adds they are a strong scrummaging team with all of the front rows fit and the lineout has improved but could be even better while their ball retention in contact is better and has credited head coach Mick Byrne and his staff.

He says the results of their hard work are starting to show and while there are still some weaknesses, the team is fitter and that could also be better.

The Drua will now try and continue their historic run come this weekend when they take on defending champions the Crusaders but this time in Christchurch.

The Drua will take on the Crusaders at 7.05pm Saturday in the third quarter final.

In other quarter finals, the Blues will host the Waratahs at 7.35pm Friday, the Chiefs will take on the Reds at 4.35pm Saturday and the Brumbies will play the Hurricanes at 9.35pm Saturday.

Finals