The Crusaders will claim the lead on the Shop & Save Super Rugby Pacific if they beat Moana Pasifika in Christchurch and they will use former Wallaby utility backline player James O'Connor to start at fly-half. Crusaders Coach Rob Penney says they wanted to give O’Connor a starting chance as they build on there depth to boost the remainder of their campaign.
Penney says they want to ease things with Taha Kemara's their first-choice fly-half after starting every game to date.
He says they are not expecting miracles this week, but it's back into the saddle and they are looking forward to seeing him perform.
Penney says Moana Pasifika had done a terrific job in 2025 and had been there or thereabouts.
He adds they should be higher up the ladder, given their performances. But sometimes performances aren't reflected by where you are on the table.
Penny is grateful that one of the great things about the Crusader's environment is that they are surrounded by other great rugby brains on the playing roster.
The Crusaders will face Moana Pasifika this Saturday at 6.05pm in Auckland.
The Drua will be on a bye this week and will return next Saturday where they will take on the Crusaders at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Meanwhile, in the round 8 matches of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific this week, the Hurricanes will take on the Waratahs at 6.05pm tomorrow, the Brumbies will play the Highlanders at 8.35pm tomorrow, and the Reds will play the Force at 8.35pm Saturday.
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