Well, some days are diamonds and that was most definitely the case last Saturday in Suva and Townsville.
An amazing ‘double’ for Fiji Rugby and I’m told the celebrations went long into the night right around the country.
It all started in Suva when the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua turned on another giant killing performance against a star-studded Hurricanes squad, in front of another loud and passionate crowd.
What I enjoyed most was the fact that the Drua played for the full 80 minutes and got the job done, even though they didn’t convert all their opportunities.
It was another huge scalp and Hurricanes Captain Ardie Savea agreed that the best team won on the day.
Mick Byrne’s men have become the hottest ticket in town, in both Suva and Lautoka and there’s a good reason for that.
They are entertainers, and they’re receiving accolades from all over the rugby world.
People love their “never say die” attitude and the way they throw the ball around.
As we know, it doesn’t always pay off, but it’s the Fiji way and so many opposition fans are now calling the Drua their second team because they are fun to watch.
Coach Byrne says he’s not just proud of the players, but also his coaching staff, team management, administrators, sponsors, and everyone behind the scenes who are contributing.
He saved the biggest praise for the amazing supporters.
But it’s always easy to be positive and excited after another win over a top four side like the Hurricanes.
Now the Drua have to produce some good results on the road if they’re to reach a spot in the playoffs in just their second season.
This week’s game against the Western Force in Perth and next week’s clash with the Waratahs are crunch games.
There’s eight points separating sixth and 11th on the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
The Drua are eighth and certainly not safe.
They have the Rebels, Highlanders, and Force breathing down their necks and ready to pounce.
So if there’s ever a time to step up on the road it’s these next two weeks.
It’s a short week as far as preparation goes.
The Drua travelled to Perth on Tuesday which is usually a big training day.
But they’re not using it as any excuse.
They know they need to start well and be physical from the opening whistle.
The Force won this fixture narrowly last year but the Drua have improved since then.
However, the men from WA are not an easy proposition at home.
They’ve won their last four in Perth and are determined to get back in the winner’s circle after two recent away losses to the Crusaders and Reds.
Force Coach Simon Cron has made five changes to his starting side.
Wallabies Folau Fainga’a and Tom Robertson make a timely return in the front row.
Manasa Mataele has been named on the left wing and his battle with his fellow Fijians will be great to watch.
The Drua have changes as well, because Samuela Tawake, Kitione Salawa and the in-form winger Selestino Ravutaumada have all been left at home to recover from injuries.
Jone Koroiduadua gets a start in the front row.
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta returns at lock and captain Meli Derenalagi is back in the run-on team.
Ravutaumada will be missed but his absence gives Eroni Sau another opportunity to showcase his power game.
Both teams are desperate for competition points as they eye a spot in the top eight, and while I’m tipping the Drua I think it’s going to be close.
The game plan for the Drua is simple.
Start well, convert the line breaks and off loads into points, and match the Force’s intensity from the outset.
Finally, I’d like to add my congratulations to the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua.
They were seemingly down and out at the half way stage of Super W, only to bounce back and beat the top two sides the Waratahs and Reds in the last two weeks.
The win over the Queensland women in the final in Townsville was simply amazing and a credit to all concerned.
I look forward to a threepeat next year.
