Mindset is everything now for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as the regular rounds of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific nears completion and a place in the playoffs hanging in the balance.
Currently sitting at eighth place on the ladder after round 11 and with four more matches at hand, winning has never been so important for side.
While the remaining games are still in their control, the Drua understands that any slip ups may put their fate on the hands of another.
Although the results against the Brumbies was not what they had anticipated, this weekend’s Culture Round is an opportunity to get a win on the road and keep their position in the top eight secured.
“We know that the four games we got pending now is on our hands. We are in the 8th, and we got to keep winning to stay there. It’s in our hands and the big thing for us is our mindset going into this weekend,” head coach Mick Byrne stated.
Mental preparation will play a key role and Byrne has seen indications in training that the players are on board and zoned in.
“We knew we were up against the Brumbies in Canberra and the Force in Perth, both teams got home ground advantage and good home ground results. We have to be mentally ready; the boys had a good physical hit out; they’re focused in on that and we need that on Saturday to ensure that we are mentally ready to go and come out with a fierce desire and the boys are preparing well for that,” Byrne added.
The team arrived in Perth from Canberra on Sunday, giving them ample time to adjust to the weather and change in time zones.
Business aside, Byrne said the two weeks had been good for them as a team as they haven’t had much time together overseas.
Drua meets the Force on Saturday, 11.55pm at HBF Park in Perth, Australia.
