Three away games so far and three losses. Yes, it’s a recurring nightmare for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coaching staff, but there is a notable improvement in the team’s effort.
Unlike some scoreline blowouts in the first three years, the Drua is definitely more competitive in 2025. Take the first 20 minutes against the Brumbies last week for example.
Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson believes it was the best the Brumbies have played this season, but the Drua went toe to toe in the opening stanza with the best Aussie team in recent years.
In a tight competition like the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, the difference between winning and losing can be the odd mistake here and there. The Drua have paid heavily for their errors on the road.
Falling for a Tom Wright dummy, missing key tackles, or giving away a penalty in your own half. It’s an 80-minute game but unfortunately each week away from home the Coach is talking about the same crucial mistakes that are costly.
But it’s another week and another opportunity to break the long drought in Australia. The coaching staff, players, fans and myself are sick of talking about it. So hopefully this is the week when it all comes together for the full 80.
Glen Jackson spoke about how well the boys are preparing for games. They’ve been in Perth for a week to get ready for tomorrow’s clash with the Western Force and conditions will suit the Drua.
It’s a Sunday afternoon game kicking off at 2pm local time. The temperature is expected to be in the low 30s. The match day squad has been freshened up again as the rotation policy continues. There are 8 changes to the starting side.
There was always going to be some changes as Selestino Ravutaumada had to return home after failing an HIA in Canberra, and Motikiai Murray copped a three-game suspension for his dangerous tackle late in the game.
The Drua has used 37 players in the opening five games. Personally, I’d like to see a more settled starting team after next week’s bye because those games mid-tournament will be make or break if you are to make the Top Six play-offs.
The Force are desperate to bounce back after heavy losses to the Waratahs and Crusaders, and like the Drua, they play their best Rugby at home. Their past three home games have been decided by 5 points or less with Simon Cron’s men winning one of them against Moana Pasifika.
The Force, like the Brumbies, have scored 10 tries down the left channel. Co-incidentally the Drua has conceded five tries down the left edge which is more than any other team. I think we know where the Force will attack tomorrow.
Hopefully it will be third time lucky for the Drua in Perth. I know they have the ability to win it, but I’m still not convinced they can stay focused for 80 minutes away from home. I hope they prove me wrong.
It’s a double header in Perth with the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women playing the Force in the late game tomorrow in what is the Drua’s final regular season game.
I called last week’s win over the Brumbies, a victory that kept them in the race to host a semi final in a fortnight. It was by no means perfect. Too many errors, missed tackles and penalties conceded. But they got themselves into a winning position late in the match and they nailed it.
Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has made 10 changes to the run on team, and I’d also like to see him select his best possible side if the Drua make the semis. It’s looking like they will, but if they come away without competition points tomorrow, they might miss out if other results don’t go their way.
I’m hoping they will make a statement this week. Sure, they beat the Waratahs in Sydney in the opening round, but they haven’t been at their best against the Reds and Brumbies since then. When they do click, the opposition had better be ready.
So don’t plan too much for your Sunday evening because there’s some great Rugby to watch. Catch the Drua Men from 6pm and the Women from 8.50 pm Fiji Time. Good luck to both teams. A Drua double would be a great outcome as they both head into a Bye week.
