Fijian Drua players will not shy away from squaring up with the Queensland Reds in the fourth round of the Super Rugby Pacific competition tomorrow night at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Billed as the ‘David v Goliath’ clash of the round, the baby of the competition is up against one of the bigger boys of the toughest annual rugby competition in the region and one of the best in the world.
The Fijian side, packed with unknowns, will be up against the Australian conference champion which is loaded with Wallabies and highly rated Australian players.
But this is not a scare to the young islanders who will be led by young chief, soldier and Tokyo Olympic Games gold medallist, Ratu Meli Derenalagi.
His fly half, Teti Tela, a former Reds’ squad member, is eager to show his Fijian warrior spirit.
“When we cross that line, it will be a different story,” he said as he will oppose his friend and Wallaby James O’Connor.
“I am excited at playing against my former teammates. I know a few of them and had played alongside them at the Brisbane competition and the Reds’ squad.
“They have quality players in the forwards and backline and some Wallabies. The challenge is for us to play our game on both sides of the ball and in defence and attack.
“We will be up for it.”
Tela is on the run-on list after coming off the bench last week against Melbourne Rebels and was on target with his boots during our 31-26 historic win.
Halfback Peni Matawalu will pair him.
The Ra native said the inclusion of Frank Lomani could boost Fiji’s chances.
“Having Frank in the team is a boost for me because of his experience.
“He has more caps in Super Rugby and Flying Fijians. It allows me to work hard and improve my skills.”
Lock Isoa Nasilasila said the Reds should be stopped before they ignite.
“The Reds are very physical,” Nasilasila said. “We are prepared for that. We just have to take another step and beat them on the line and stop them before they roll with the football.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team meets the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium at 8.45pm tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana Drua play the Reds in the Super W competition at the same venue. The match kicks off at 5.30pm.