The arrival of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika into Super Rugby Pacific has been pleasing to watch from an opposition point of view, says Crusaders forwards coach Jason Ryan.
In just their third match since joining the newly created Super Rugby Pacific, Drua caused arguably the biggest upset of the season so far on Friday night.
Down 14-0 and at one point playing with 14 men, the Drua came back to stun Melbourne Rebels 31-26, earning their maiden victory in the competition.
The win was especially pleasing for Ryan, who'd spent time as an assistant with the Fijian national side at test level.
"It's really good, I was really thrilled for the Drua," Ryan says. "They're pretty close to my heart, the old Fiji boys, with being involved with those lads in the national team.
"[I've] been keeping a close eye on them and talking to Mick Byrne and Jacko [Glen Jackson] with how they're tracking.
"I think it's good flavour. For them to win and beat the Rebels is a great boost for them - a lot of people thought they wouldn't win a game this year.
"They'll get better. The Fijians, once they get fit and get a bit of belief, they can upset anyone."
Elsewhere, Moana Pasifika have also impressed in a shorter window than the Drua, after their maiden campaign was delayed by a COVID-19 outbreak.
In their Super Rugby debut against Super Rugby Aotearoa champions Crusaders, Moana Pasifika briefly threatened an upset by scoring the opening try of the night, but went on to fall to a 33-12 defeat.
And despite the loss, Ryan assures the benefits of having Moana Pasifika in the competition more than outweigh any negatives.
"I think Moana Pasifika can be extremely proud of the energy that they've brought to the competition," he adds."The culture that they've got and their own point of difference as a team, it's just great for the competition.
"There's probably going to be a bit of pain early with a few scores, but they're in the comp and it is what it is. They're making their mark in their own little way on the competition.
"I think it's exciting."
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