Swire Shipping Fijian Drua prop Peni Ravai has highlighted the scrum and ruck as key danger areas as the side prepares to face the Queensland Reds in their round 6 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park today.
Ravai said the Drua must be sharp up front and at the breakdown, warning that the Reds’ powerful forward pack and mobile loose forwards could pose a serious challenge.
“They will bring aggressiveness in the game, they have a big pack so I think they will come for our forwards because they have a small pack and physicality,” Ravai said.
The experienced front-rower pointed specifically to the set-piece and breakdown as areas the Drua need to manage well.
“Scrum because they have a good pack and the ruck because they have good flankers.”
Despite the looming physical battle, Ravai is relishing the chance to come up against familiar faces, including his former teammates.
“It’s always challenging seeing my brother Ben Volavola on the opposition, I know Ben for a long time, it’s good to see Ben back in Fiji,” he said.
Ravai also shared a light moment ahead of the clash, revealing he had already been in touch with former Reds teammate Seru Uru.
“I messaged him when they arrive and he said he was ready, but it will be good to catch up after the game.”
With both sides boasting strong Fijian connections, an intense and physical encounter is expected as the Drua look to protect their home ground advantage.
