The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s unstructured play is something the undefeated Hurricanes are wary of when the two team’s clash this Friday in the Super Rugby Pacific round nine fixture in Suva.
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said they were excited to be here and were aiming for nothing less than a win.
“We can see they have improved on the set-piece play, which is a lot better than it was and we know their unstructured play is very dangerous, which we will have to limit those opportunities,” he said.
The former All Blacks 7s mentor added that to play the Drua at home was a big challenge, despite their unbeaten run this season.
“We are excited about the challenge but are very realistic as we know it will be a very tough game.
“We played here last year and the boys learnt some lessons from that game and hopefully we play well this Friday.
“We know a lot of people will turn up at the stadium and we are looking forward to seeing three of our Fijian boys- Kini Naholo, Isaiah Walker-Leawere and Salesi Rayasi play in front of family and friends,” added Laidlaw.
The match kicks off at 7.05pm.
Prior to that, the Fijian Drua women’s side take on Western Force at 4.35pm in the semi-final of the Super W competition.
Meanwhile, Laidlaw has named a side with several changes to the team that took on the Chiefs in round eight.
In the front row – Tevita Mafileo, James O’Reilly and Pasilio Tosi link up. Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia and debutant Siale Lauaki will look to add their impact from the bench.
Queenslander Ben Grant is another debutant, locking with Isaia Walker-Leawere. Du’Plessis Kirifi and Devan Flanders, get the nod from the first whistle alongside Captain, Brad Shields.
Aidan Morgan and Salesi Rayasi, who both starred against the Rebels in Palmerston North come in, with Kini Naholo shifting to the right wing and Josh Moorby to fullback.
Caleb Delany provides locking cover, with Richard Judd, Ruben Love and Bailyn Sullivan rounding out the backs replacements. For Sullivan, it’s a welcome return having been sidelined for the last six months following a shoulder reconstruction.
After scoring his 62nd try and going equal with Julian Savea as the all-time Super Rugby try scorer, dynamic half-back TJ Perenara will look to spark some magic off the back of a strong forward pack.
