I KNOW it’s early days but if the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are to go on and qualify for the play-offs in June, last Saturday’s 25-20 win over the highly fancied Hurricanes was crucial.
Following their first Bye this weekend, they could have been winless after four weeks and it would have been a steep mountain to climb from there.
As it turned out, every team has now won a game, so a loss to the Canes in Lautoka would have cemented bottom place for the Drua. Last week’s win now means they are 10th and they are still in the race.
There was a lot to like about last week’s overall performance from the Drua. The Hurricanes are well coached, and they have a star-studded squad. It was always going to take a big effort to beat them.
For the first time this year the Drua went the full 80 minutes. They conceded three first half tries but only trailed by four at the break, thanks to an individual try by Motikiai Murray and three from three off the kicking tee by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
The Canes couldn’t score a try in the second 40 while the Drua ran in two ‘five pointers’ to lead 25-20. Rather than panic like they’ve done before, Frank Lomani and his men closed out the game.
That should give them plenty of confidence and they are going to need it as they have eight tough games in between their byes, starting with the top of the table Brumbies in Ba next Saturday afternoon.
It was great to pick up four competition points last week, but I also liked the fact they could beat a top side like the Canes while they still have plenty of improvement in them.
It wasn’t a perfect 80-minute effort, but they did manage to sort out some of the scrum and line out issues from the previous week against the Waratahs. Their discipline was better as well. However, their handling and general kicking still needs some attention.
I thought the forwards really muscled up last week and they need to back it up against the Brumbies and Reds in upcoming home games in Ba and Lautoka. They need to win these two matches before a couple of tough games on the road against the Blues and Crusaders.
Frank Lomani was a standout against the Canes and his combination with Isaiah Armstong-Ravula will keep getting better, especially if the forwards continue to give them a good attacking platform.
Lomani deserved to win the Drua Player of the Match Award. He led by example and because of the 6-2 split on the bench, he ended up on the left wing and came up with some crucial tackles when required.
There were no real scoring opportunities for wingers Epeli Momo and debutant Joji Nasova, so the crunch play came from the centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. His intercept try swung the momentum behind the Drua and paved the way for a much-needed victory.
I want to give a big wrap to the Bench players as well. They really delivered. It’s a 23-man game now and the ‘finishers’ need to make an impact.
I don’t know why Peni Ravai was running out wide but his offload to set Etonia Waqa in the clear was special from a prop. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, playing his 63rd game of Super Rugby Pacific used all his experience to help close out the game in the dying minutes.
Inia Tabuavou was called upon earlier than planned after the injury to Isikeli Rabitu, and he adapted well. There was a further sign that there is plenty of depth when Coach Glen Jackson was able to send Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai and Emosi Tuqiri on to finish the job.
Reserve hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua got another taste at the elite level and Mesulame Dolokoto told me that he should be available for selection next week, so that will add even more depth to the hooker department.
So it was great to get a win against a quality side, but one victory doesn’t make a season, and the focus is now on the ‘back to back’ home games after this week’s bye.
First up is the historic first ever Super Rugby Pacific game in BA and the in-form Brumbies will make the journey from Canberra. A win tonight against the Reds will see them stay on top of the table.
The Brumbies and Reds have a great rivalry, and it’ll be interesting to see if Coach Stephen Larkham will rest any of his players after a tough schedule over the past month. They don’t have a bye for another four weeks.
I applaud the Drua for taking two games to Ba. They represent all of Fiji and I hope fans turn up next week to make it a huge success.
Having three Super Rugby Pacific venues is great for the game in the region.
This upcoming block of eight games before the next Bye is make or break for the Drua. There are no easy games in this Tournament, and they’ll only have one game at home against the Waratahs in Suva in the last three weeks of the regular season.
They’ll need to bank some points over the next eight weeks. It’s the Brumbies and Reds at home, then the Blues and Crusaders away.
They play the Force at home, the Brumbies and Chiefs away, before returning to Ba to play the Highlanders.
That is what you call a very tough assignment, but if you want to be the best, you must beat the best. So bring it on.
