“Getting that opportunity this week, i’m just so excited and what a place to play centre in front of my family back in Fiji” (Sevu Reece)
After last week’s disappointing loss to Moana Pasifika, Crusaders coach Rob Penney has made a few changes to strengthen his side.
A surprising change is the shift of Sevu Reece to centre. Reece who has made his mark at the Crusaders at wing will now start in the number 13 jersey for their matchup against Fijian Drua.
The Crusaders will travel to Fiji this Saturday hoping to clinch a win in the island, something they have failed to do twice.
For Reece, this will be the first time he puts back on the 13 jersey since 2017 where he last wore while playing for Waikato. Playing in the midfield too was where he had first started his rugby career while attending Hamilton Boys High.
“In school I always played centre or second five, and never played in the wing which is funny. It wasn’t until I moved down to the Crusaders where I got pushed to the wing” Reece said.
“But it was always my goal to play centre at this level and test myself against the best of the best. Getting that opportunity this week, i’m just so excited and what a place to play centre in front of my family back in Fiji”
Reece will partner up with Dallas Mcleod in the midfield with Chay Fiaki and Macca Springer accompanying them in the wings.
Saturday’s matchup will also be special for the Crusaders who will play in their newly gifted jersey by brand partner Fiji Airways. The jersey is a collaboration between Fiji Airways and the side in highlighting the journey of unity within the club as displayed in the motifs and patterns.
Heading into the clash, Reece is only 2 tires away from clinching the top try scorer record in Super Rugby Pacific history.
“For some reason this week has been so different with it being on my mind” he said when reflecting on the try scoring record.
“You know my mum and Dad and my family they’re still in Fiji, and it will be special for them like their son, if I do break this record it’ll be history for them. Them knowing that their sacrifices for their son has paid off”
Coach Rob Penney chimed in on his selection of Reece at 13 and just what could be expected from him.
“He’s been excited about pushing himself forward in that position.So we’ve given him that opportunity to do that in Suva. He’s very capable and he has trained there a lot for us.
