Milestone man gets four tries as Crusaders thrash Fijian Drua
Milestone man gets four tries as Crusaders thrash Fijian Drua
The rugby world stood still on Friday night as the Crusaders delivered a masterclass in efficiency and emotion, bidding a clinical farewell to their long-time home. In what was a perfect convergence of historical significance and individual brilliance, the Christchurch-based powerhouse dismantled the Fijian Drua with a staggering 69-26 scoreline. The evening belonged to one man in particular: Codie Taylor. Celebrating his 150th appearance for the franchise, the veteran All Blacks hooker turned back the clock to cross the try line four times, spearheading an eleven-try blitz that left the visitors searching for answers. It was a fitting tribute to a stadium that has seen the Crusaders rise to the pinnacle of Super Rugby time and again, marking their 100th victory at the venue with a performance that will be etched into the record books. The Crusaders vs Fijian Drua match on April 3, 2026, ended in a dominant 69-26 victory for the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium. All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor celebrated his 150th milestone match by scoring four tries, while Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki added two each. This victory marked the Crusaders' 100th win at the stadium, serving as a historic farewell before the team moves to the new One NZ Stadium.A Historic Night at Apollo Projects Stadium
The air in Christchurch was thick with nostalgia as fans gathered for the final chapter of the Crusaders at Apollo Projects Stadium. Known for years as the fortress where championships were forged, the venue has been the backdrop for some of the most iconic moments in New Zealand rugby. Entering the match, the Crusaders were not just playing for points in the Super Rugby Pacific standings; they were playing for a legacy. Achieving their 100th win at the ground was a primary objective, and they did so with the kind of ruthless precision that has defined the franchise for decades. The stadium, which has hosted the team through multiple title-winning seasons, saw a crowd that was both boisterous and sentimental. Every tackle, every break, and every try felt amplified by the knowledge that this was the end of an era. The Crusaders have always prided themselves on their connection to their home turf, and the 69-26 demolition of the Drua was the ultimate thank-you note to the supporters who have filled those stands through rain and shine.Codie Taylor’s Milestone 150th Appearance
Reaching 150 games for a single Super Rugby franchise is a feat reserved for the elite, and Codie Taylor joined that hallowed club in spectacular fashion. From the moment he led the team out onto the pitch, accompanied by his family and greeted by a passionate haka from his Sydenham clubmates, it was clear that Taylor was locked in. The 35-year-old hooker has been the heartbeat of the Crusaders' forward pack for years, and his performance on Friday was a masterclass in positional play and finishing. Taylor did not just participate in the game; he dictated the terms of the physical battle. His four-try haul is a rarity for a front-rower and highlights the evolution of the modern hooker. Whether he was at the back of a powerful rolling maul or sniffing out opportunities in the loose, Taylor was omnipresent. His exit from the field in the 52nd minute to a standing ovation was a poignant moment, acknowledging a player who has given his all to the red and black jersey.First Half Blitz: Crusaders Take Control
The match began with an intensity that the Fijian Drua struggled to contain. It took only three minutes for the Crusaders to open their account. Chay Fihaki, who was instrumental throughout the night, broke the line with a sharp inside ball before Will Jordan linked up with Sevu Reece for the opening score. The pace was relentless, and the Drua found themselves pinned deep in their own half as the Crusaders' backline moved with a fluidity that looked impossible to defend. By the 25th minute, the score had ballooned to 31-0. Leicester Fainga'anuku showed his trademark power to cross the line, followed closely by two quick-fire tries from Taylor. The Drua, known for their "Fijian flair" and ability to score from anywhere, were starved of possession. Every time they attempted to clear their lines, they were met by a wall of Crusaders defenders or a counter-attacking spark from Will Jordan. The efficiency of the Crusaders' set-piece was the foundation upon which this early lead was built.The Rolling Maul Mastery
If there is one aspect of the Crusaders' game that has consistently struck fear into opponents, it is their lineout drive. On Friday night, it was functioning at 100 percent efficiency. Codie Taylor’s first two tries came directly from the back of the rolling maul, a testament to the cohesive work of the forward pack. The timing, the weight distribution, and the sheer collective will of the Crusaders' pack made the maul look like an unstoppable force of nature. The Drua attempted to sack the maul and disrupt the jumpers, but the Crusaders' technicians, led by the likes of Jamie Hannah and Antonio Shalfoon, were too disciplined. This tactical dominance allowed Taylor to reap the rewards. It wasn't just about the tries; it was about the psychological toll it took on the Drua. Knowing that a penalty conceded anywhere near the 22-meter line would likely result in five points created a pressure cooker environment that the visitors could not escape.Fijian Drua’s Resilience Amid the Onslaught
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Fijian Drua showed flashes of the talent that makes them such a dangerous side in Super Rugby Pacific. Trailing 31-0, many teams would have folded, but the Drua continued to look for openings. Their persistence was rewarded just before halftime when Joseva Tamani crossed the line after a period of sustained pressure. The Drua’s ability to offload in contact and keep the ball alive remains their greatest asset, and for a brief window, they forced the Crusaders into some desperate defending. Elia Canakaivata was a standout for the visitors, scoring two tries of his own. His first, a powerful drive from a lineout, gave the Drua a glimmer of hope heading into the break at 38-12. The second half saw the Drua score arguably the try of the match, a coast-to-coast effort that involved multiple hands and finished with Canakaivata rounding off a brilliant team move. While they were ultimately outclassed, the Drua’s spirit and physicality provided a stern test for the defending champions.Match Statistics and Performance Breakdown
To understand the scale of the Crusaders' dominance, one must look at the statistical output from the match. The home side controlled the majority of the territory and possession, allowing them to dictate the tempo of the game.| Match Category | Crusaders vs Fijian Drua Statistics |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 69 - 26 |
| Total Tries Scored | 11 (Crusaders) vs 4 (Drua) |
| Top Try Scorer | Codie Taylor (4 Tries) |
| Successful Conversions | Taha Kemara (7 Conversions) |
| Venue Milestone | 100th Win at Apollo Projects Stadium |
Second Half: Taylor Completes the Haul
The second half began much like the first, with the Crusaders asserting their authority within seconds of the restart. Just 90 seconds into the period, Codie Taylor found himself in the right place at the right time to secure his hat-trick. Not content with three, he added a fourth try in the 47th minute, showing incredible awareness to gather a missed pass and dive over in the corner. It was a remarkable individual achievement that solidified his status as one of the greatest to ever play the position. As the game entered the final quarter, the Crusaders' bench continued the work. Players like Corey Kellow and Seb Calder made significant impacts, ensuring there was no drop-off in intensity. Chay Fihaki capped off a brilliant individual performance with a second try, while Sevu Reece also completed a double. The Drua managed to add scores through former Crusader Manasa Mataele, but it was a drop in the ocean compared to the scoring wave of the home side.Farewell to Addington: The End of an Era
The significance of the "100 and Out" theme was not lost on anyone in attendance. Since 2012, Addington has been the temporary-turned-permanent home for the Crusaders following the Christchurch earthquake. It was a stadium that was never meant to last this long, yet it became a place of immense power and community. The team has won four Super Rugby titles during their tenure at the ground, and players like Richie Mo'unga, Sam Whitelock, and Kieran Read have all left their marks on its turf. Captain Will Jordan spoke emotionally after the match about the responsibility the team felt to send the stadium off in style. "The chance for the 2026 Crusaders to leave our mark on this awesome stadium which has had a lot of success for us was huge," Jordan noted. The victory was not just a win for the current squad, but a tribute to everyone who has contributed to the Crusaders' success over the last 14 years at the Addington site.Looking Ahead: The New Stadium and Beyond
With the chapter closed on Apollo Projects Stadium, the Crusaders now look toward a bright future at the state-of-the-art One NZ Stadium. This move represents the next phase of the franchise's evolution, providing world-class facilities for players and fans alike. The team will officially open their new home on April 24 against the NSW Waratahs, an event that is already generating massive hype in the region. Before they settle into their new surroundings, the Crusaders face a challenging two-week tour of Australia, where they will take on the Queensland Reds and the Western Force. The momentum gained from the Drua victory will be crucial as they look to climb further up the Super Rugby Pacific ladder. If they can maintain the level of physicality and tactical execution shown in Christchurch, the 2026 season could very well end with yet another trophy in the cabinet.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many tries did Codie Taylor score in his 150th game?
Codie Taylor scored a career-high four tries during his milestone 150th appearance for the Crusaders against the Fijian Drua.
What was the final score of the Crusaders vs Fijian Drua match?
The Crusaders defeated the Fijian Drua with a final score of 69-26 on April 3, 2026.
Why was this match significant for the Crusaders' stadium?
This was the final match at Apollo Projects Stadium before the team moves to the new One NZ Stadium. The victory also marked the Crusaders' 100th win at the venue.
Who were the other multiple try scorers for the Crusaders?
In addition to Codie Taylor’s four tries, both winger Sevu Reece and fullback Chay Fihaki scored two tries each.
When do the Crusaders play their first game at the new One NZ Stadium?
The Crusaders are scheduled to open their new stadium on April 24, 2026, when they face the NSW Waratahs.
Conclusion
The 69-26 victory over the Fijian Drua was more than just a game of rugby; it was a celebration of excellence, a farewell to a beloved home, and a testament to the enduring class of Codie Taylor. By scoring four tries in his 150th appearance, Taylor epitomized the spirit of the Crusaders—hardworking, clinical, and humble. As the franchise prepares to transition to the One NZ Stadium, they do so with the wind in their sails and a century of home-ground wins behind them. For the fans who witnessed this historic night, it was a reminder that while stadiums may change, the dominance of the Crusaders remains a constant in the world of rugby.Milestone man gets four tries as Crusaders thrash Fijian Drua
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