48-cap All Black gets levelled by ferocious Fijian Drua defence
The Fijian Drua may have had a tough time against the Crusaders on Friday at the Orangetheory Stadium in Super Rugby Pacific, but it certainly was not an easy night for Scott Barrett.
Back rows collided in the first half when the 48-cap All Black Barrett, playing at blindside flanker, ran directly into Drua openside Mesulame Dolokoto and No8 Nemani Nagusa who combined on a perfectly timed, perfectly legal hit on the 28-year-old.
Such is the class of Barrett that he was actually looking around at his teammates for a possible offload while he was being picked up and driven back, which makes for pretty good rugby all round.
Here are the teams:
Crusaders XV
1. Finlay Brewis
2. Ricky Jackson
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Zach Gallagher
5. Sam Whitelock (VC)
6. Scott Barrett (C)
7. Tom Christie
8. Ethan Blackadder
9. Bryn Hall
10. Fergus Burke
11. Leicester Fainga'anuku
12. Jack Goodhue (VC)
13. Braydon Ennor
14. Sevu Reece
15. Chay Fihaki
Reserves
16. Shilo Klein
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Oli Jager
19. Dominic Gardiner
20. Corey Kellow
21. Mitch Drummond
22. Simon Hickey
23. George Bridge
Fijian Drua XV
1. Kaliopasi Uluilakepa
2. Zuriel Togiatama
3. Samuela Tawake
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Ratu Rotuisolia
6. Joseva Tamani
7. Mesulame Dolokoto
8. Nemani Nagusa (c)
9. Peni Matawalu
10. Caleb Muntz
11. Vinaya Habosi
12. Teti Tela
13. Kalaveti Ravouvou
14. Selestino Ravutaumada
15. Kitione Taliga
Reserves
16. Tevita Ikanivere
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Manasa Saulo
19. Chris Minimbi
20. Raikabula Momoedonu
21. Leone Nawai
22. Ilaisa Droasese
23. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Take a look at the tackle: