SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua is banking on the energy of a passionate home crowd as they prepare for a crucial clash against the Highlanders in Ba this Saturday.
With just a six-day turnaround, head coach Glen Jackson acknowledged the quick shift back to home soil presents both a challenge and an opportunity for his side to reset and respond.
“We’ve got a six-day turnaround to go back home, and we will change the intensity of preparation,” Jackson said.
Returning to Ba, where a sold-out crowd is expected, is something Glenn believes could provide a timely lift for his players.
“We know we’re going to have a sold-out crowd in Ba, so we’re looking forward to that,” he added.
Co-captain Temo Mayanavanua admitted the emotional and physical boost from supporters often fuels their performances.
“We’ve got a lot of energy back home with home game advantage, but it all comes down to consistency,” Mayanavanua said.
Mayanavanua pointed to lapses in their last match against the Chiefs where the team struggled to maintain momentum.
“We’ll build points, but then we slacken off a little bit, which is not good enough against a quality side,” he said.
Despite the inconsistencies, Mayanavanua is confident the Ba crowd can help ignite a stronger, more disciplined performance.
“Having a home game and home crowd advantage, hopefully that will soak up the boys,” he said.
The Drua will need to sustain pressure across the full 80 minutes if they are to capitalise on their home advantage in a clash against the Highlanders this Saturday at the Four R Stadium, Govind Park at 4pm.
