The stage is set for two top clashes later today at the National Stadium in Suva. We are in for some Super Rugby excitement!
If you are rugby fan, then you’ll probably be feeling the hype right now, and the magical atmosphere.
All eyes are focused on the Laucala bowl when our Fijian Drua Women take on the might of the Western Force in a double header.
It’s a big game for our women and they will be out to make it two from two this season against the Force.
It is good to see former skipper Bitila Tawake back in the frame for this afternoon’s semi-final clash as cover for the frontrowers.
It is a historic occasion for our women who play their first semi-final on home soil.
Now that’s going to be a cracker.
There is no doubt about what the fans want when the men clash later tonight.
The Hurricanes head in as unbeaten leaders and will be keen to wrap up tonight’s clash with victory.
They will also be keen to avenge last year’s loss at the same venue to the Drua.
Leading 24-14, they eventually succumbed 24-27, with Kemu Valetini slotting in the penalty that mattered in the end last season.
The fans want a win.
The National Stadium hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for teams that have travelled here to play the Drua.
With their tails up, the Hurricanes are hot favourites to defeat the Drua.
Coach Clark Laidlaw has made several changes to the side that defeated the Chiefs last weekend.
He knows what to expect in Suva.
The Drua rested last weekend and will head in fresh though.
The fans can sense a thriller.
The stats may not favour the Drua on the points table. But, for them, the stats that matter are those etched beside home games.
There is something special about playing here. When the going gets tough, and the muscles are near exhaustion, and time is clicking away, it is this connection that has carried the Drua past the final hurdle.
That is special.
And it’s this connection that fans are banking on to cause some damage on the field.
On paper, when you do the figures, analyse stats, consider experience and exposure, and game strategies, the Hurricanes are pretty special as well.
So how do you even explain what it is that matters in the end, the influence of Fijian fans, and how that has been an inspirational aspect of the Drua game?
It’s goose-bump raising stuff. The fans can be intimidating. They can be assertive. And they can be very patriotic and vocal! And when the Hurricanes and the Force run on to the field today, they will
know they are in the home of the Drua! The fans will make sure of that! The challenge though will be on the Drua to roll with them, and play the game of their lives!
We say go Drua, go, and may the best teams win!
