SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua loosehead prop Peni Ravai is expecting a fierce and physical encounter when his side hosts the NSW Waratahs at Churchill Park tomorrow at 2:05pm.
Speaking ahead of the Round 10 clash, Ravai said the team is fully aware of the challenge the Waratahs will bring, especially up front.
“Waratahs is a good team. It’s going to be a tough battle, an upfront battle for the whole 80 minutes.
“The boys have prepared well for that,” Ravai said.
The Drua currently sit at the bottom of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific table with just seven points, but Ravai remains optimistic about their chances to push for a top six playoff spot.
“Yes, we still have the chance to make it to the top six. We just need to win this week’s game and a few others, and we’ll be up there,” he said confidently.
With the team showing strong commitment during the week, Ravai believes the key to victory lies with the forwards setting the tone early.
“For me, it’s front row, we need to dominate there first before the backs can play their Fijian style,” he explained.
“The forwards are ready.”
Coach Glen Jackson has also echoed the need for early dominance and a strong start in front of their home crowd, as the team looks to bounce back after recent losses.
The Drua are fired up, and Lautoka fans can expect a physical and passionate performance tomorrow.
The Glen Jackson-coached side played the Waratahs at the same venue last year where they recorded their first win over the Australian club.
The Drua emerged victorious 39-36 after an unforgettable Kemu Valetini drop goal at the dying seconds of the game.
Looking at the Drua’s standing so far this season, the Fijian franchise has only won one of its eight matches played.
Including tomorrow’s match, the Drua has six remaing regular matches to play.
They need to win the remaining six matches to stand a chance of making the top-six.
Of the six, four will be played at home in Lautoka and Suva respectively while the other two are in Auckland, New Zealand and Brisbane in Australia. The Drua will be on a bye in round 15.
