The Crusaders secured a Colonial Cup semi-final berth Thursday night with a comprehensive 29-6 bonus-point win over the Stallions at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

The result leaves the defending champions languishing in fourth place and praying that the Bligh Roosters can pull off an upset win over the Knights on Saturday which would be the only way they could progress. However, even a bonus point loss for the Knights would be enough see the Nausori-based team go through.

The Stallions' loss also means that the Highlanders and Sharks qualify for the semis irrespective of the outcome of Saturday's game between the two teams.

Quotes:

Iliesa Tanivula (Crusaders coach):
“I am pretty happy with the boys' performance, especially the way we started the game compared to the previous games. I’d like to applaud the boys for holding on through thick and thin enabling us to come this far.”

Joji Rinakama (Stallions coach):
“I’d like to congratulate the Crusaders team for a job well done. Thank you also to my boys for their effort. We came here to win but it’s unfortunate the game didn’t go our way. Though we lost, I believe the boys have matured in their rugby.

“I’d also like to thank the FRU and Colonial for setting up a competition such as this to develop local rugby. We now await the results of the two games on Saturday to see whether we go through or not.”

 Thursday 20 March 2008
Crusaders 29 Stallions 6
Colonial Cup Round 5
Prince Charles Park, Nadi
Half-time: 17-3
Referee: Mikea Rokodrakia
Att: 3,000

CRUSADERS: 15 Asaeli Driu, 14 Savenaca Waqa (Dan Rawaqa 67), 13 Tevita Latianara (Semi Keli 70), 12 Vuniani Bari (Sunia Vata 67), 11 Vima Tuidraki, 10 Wise Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata, 8 Aca Bibi, 7 Aminiasi Nava, 6 Setareki Ratatagia, 5 Aloesi Nailiko (Kelepi Ketedromo 65), 4 Ifereimi Naruma (Mo Natuilagilagi 50), 3 Viliame Seuseu (Paulo Cata 65), 2 Aseri Buli (Joeli Lotawa 65), 1 Sikeli Gavidi (yellow card 49-58)
Coach: Iliesa Tanivula
Tries: Bibi, Buli, Bari, Tuidraki; Cons: Luveniyali (3); Pen goal: Luveniyali

STALLIONS: 15 Simeli Koniferedi, 14 Lote Tuqiri, 13 Peni Tiko, 12 Apakuki Camaitoga (Timoci Mule 61), 11 Neumi Nanuku, 10 Jonetani Ralulu (Kaminieli Neiqisa 38), 9 Seru Naqasima (Seveci Taka 41), 8 Josefa Nagata, 7 Aca Ratuva (Tevita Tuilawalawa 70), 6 Asi Mocelutu (Iliesa Ratuva 58), 5 Rupeni Nasiga, 4 Filipe Kuruvoli, 3 Apisai Turukawa, 2 Seremaia Naoriori (Peni Ranitu 70), 1 Tiko Matawalu (yellow card 18-27, Koli Masau 65)
Coach: Joji Rinakama
Pen goals: Ralulu (2)

Colonial Man of the Match: Aminiasi Nava (Crusaders)

Scoring Sequence (Crusaders’ scores shown first):
7min – PEN GOAL STALLIONS, Ralulu (missed) – 0-0
11min – PEN GOAL STALLIONS, Ralulu – 0-3
19min – PEN GOAL CRUSADERS, Luveniyali – 3-3
29min – PEN GOAL STALLIONS, Ralulu (missed) – 3-3
33min – TRY CRUSADERS, Bibi, conversion Luveniyali – 10-3
40min – TRY CRUSADERS, Buli, conversion Luveniyali – 17-3
Half-time
42min – TRY CRUSADERS, Bari, conversion Luveniyali (missed) – 22-3
47min – PEN GOAL STALLIONS, Ralulu – 22-6
50min – PEN GOAL STALLIONS, Ralulu (missed) – 22-6
53min – TRY CRUSADERS, Tuidraki, conversion Luveniyali – 29-6
65min – DROP GOAL CRUSADERS, Driu (missed) – 29-6
Full-time

U20s:
Crusaders 17 Stallions 18 (h-t: 10-12)