THE Highlanders have touched down in Fiji ahead of their crucial Round 12 clash in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at Govind Park in Ba tomorrow.
Head coach Jamie Joseph said it was a pleasure to return to Fiji, having experienced the unique rugby atmosphere during last year’s visit.
“Really nice to be back in Fiji. We were here last year and it’s good to be back,” Joseph said.
With competition points on the line, Joseph acknowledged the importance of the fixture for his side.
“It’s a big match for us this Saturday. It’s a match that we want to win and need to win in terms of our points on the table.”
He admitted that playing conditions in Fiji present a major challenge for visiting teams.
“It’s hard to come to Fiji and win. The conditions are very different to what we’re used to in Dunedin, but the players are motivated to put in their best performance.”
The Highlanders squad also includes several players with Fijian heritage, adding extra meaning to the encounter.
“They’re all excited. They want to come back and see their families here,” Joseph said.
Saturday’s match will also mark a first for the Highlanders in Ba, with the team unfamiliar with the venue.
“Ba is a new place for all of us. No one has been to Ba, so it’s something different.”
Despite holding an unbeaten record over the Drua, Joseph was quick to dismiss any reliance on past results.
“Past results don’t mean too much. The Drua have always been successful here, so it’s going to be a tough match.”
With a passionate home crowd expected at Govind Park, the stage is set for another intense Super Rugby Pacific showdown
