IT might have taken three years for the Fijian Drua to break one of the longest running droughts on the road in Super Rugby history, but the celebrations after the famous victory over the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend will live in my memory for a long time.
The scenes at full time at GIO Stadium were amazing.
The players on the field and on the bench, and the Drua fans in the stands couldn’t control their emotions as the upset victory sunk in.
No doubt the celebrations around Fiji went well into the night as well.
The win ended a run of 26 losses away from home, and while it was the first ever win in Canberra, it was also the Drua’s first ever back-to-back success over the Brumbies with victories in Ba and Canberra. More boxes ticked.
I asked head coach Glen Jackson if he noticed anything different in the build up to the game. He said Samuela Tawake’s 50th cap was a motivating factor and Temo Mayanavanua’s return from injury was also very timely. The stars were aligning.
Players like Tawake, Mayanavanua, Nasilasila, Lomani, Fines-Leleiwasa, Vakatawa and Mataele are now very experienced at first class level, and the total number of Super Rugby Pacific caps in the squad is well over 800. There are others with over 40 appearances, and that helps to build belief.
Jackson told his squad recently that they’d have to win five of their last seven games to be a chance of making the Top Six play-offs. They’ve since won two straight against the Force and Brumbies, so now it’s three wins from five needed, and two of the remaining games are at home.
But one ‘away’ win like last week doesn’t make a season, and whatever the Drua did to turn their fortunes around on the road, I hope they can tap into it again this week as it’s not going to be any easier in Christchurch, a city where they’ve never won before. But it is a new venue.
I know co-captains Lomani and Mayanavanua have been working hard off the field trying to get the players to change their mindset about playing on the road. Mayanavanua will play his 100th first class game today so ‘he’s been there and done that’.
Solid defence at crucial times like the last 10 minutes in Canberra has made a huge difference.
Statistics show that both the Drua and Chiefs have missed fewer tackles than all other teams. That trend must continue if the Drua is to pull off a miracle and reach the play-offs.
When the Drua take on the Chiefs in the final game of Super Round in Christchurch today, they’ll be chasing more history.
After wins over the Force and Brumbies, a victory today will see them make it three wins on the trot for the very first time.
They’re also chasing consecutive wins on the road for the very first time.
While it’s one-all in Fiji between the two sides, the Chiefs have won both games played in New Zealand, scoring at least 45 points in both. But this is not at their fortress in Hamilton.
The Chiefs have been building nicely, winning their last four games and they’re going for five straight for the first time since 2023. Their win in extra time over the Hurricanes last week came at a cost and they’ll call on their depth today.
Regular captain Luke Jacobson joins Samipeni Finau, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo and Kaylum Boshier on the injured list. But last week’s extra time’ try scorer off the bench Wallace Sititi will start today, and Tupou Vai’i returns as Captain after his rest period after following a concussion.
World class backs Damian McKenzie and Quinn Tupaea will need to be contained if the Drua is to have any chance of pulling off another upset. There’s sure to be some friendly family banter between the two coaches’ boxes as well. Jono Gibbes is in charge of the Chiefs, and his brother Chris is a Drua assistant. Who will gain bragging rights this time?
Drua Coach Glen Jackson has been able to name both co-captains Lomani and Mayanavanua for the first time since week two. Mayanavanua will play his 100th first class game (Lyon 59, Northampton 37, Drua 4), and he’ll partner Mesake Vocevoce at lock while Isoa Nasilasila earns a bit of a rest and will be used as a finisher this week.
There are forced changes in the backline with Maika Tuitubou set to make his debut, coming in for the injured centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. Maika is the latest graduate from the Fijian pathways, progressing from Nadi U19s, Fiji 20s, Fiji Warriors and Drua Development squad under the coaching of Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani.
It’s good to see Taniela Rakuro over his niggling injuries and starting on the wing in place of the injured Isikeli Basiyalo. With Isikeli Rabitu forced to sit out this week because he suffered a concussion last week, Ilaisa Droasese reverts from the wing to his preferred fullback spot.
There’s a lot of experience on the bench with Peni Ravai, Isoa Nasilasila, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valitini and Inia Tabuavou all included.
I think today’s squad should be able to compete with the high-flying Chiefs.
What a great thrill for the Drua to be able to close out Super Round at the new One New Zealand Stadium. Christchurch now has a state-of-the-art stadium with a roof, and let’s hope the Drua can help christen it with a win in the that city for the first time, making it three wins on the trot for the first time, and the first ever win over the Chiefs on the road. So much to play for.
Toso Drua toso.
