The clash with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane last Sunday was the one that got away from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, and hopefully it won’t come back to bite them during the play-off race.
Neither team was completely happy with the effort. The Reds held on to win by 3 points, but they should have put the Drua away after leading 24-3 according to Coach Brad Thorn.
Drua head coach Mick Byrne would obviously had preferred his side didn’t give the opposition a big lead each week, but he was happy that they’re able to get back into the contest.
The Drua needed to stay in touch as the hot and steamy afternoon conditions were always going to favour them. At 24-all the momentum was with the Drua, but they conceded a penalty which turned out to be the difference.
So the Drua had to settle for one bonus point and that was enough to keep them in the Top 8 after four weeks. They’re now two wins from four matches and this week-end they head to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders.
A victory in New Zealand’s deep south would mean the Drua will have bettered their two wins in 2022, and we are only a third of the way through the regular season. They finished on 12 points in their inaugural season last year and they head to Dunedin on 9 points.
That’s a huge improvement but it won’t mean anything unless they can keep four teams below them and reach the play-offs. They’re currently seventh. I loved the fact that coach Byrne praised his forwards last week.
We all know the Drua has some great finishers out wide but they need front foot ball and the pack is delivering more and more as the weeks roll by.
There hasn’t been complete continuity up front because of injury but with Ikanivere, Nasilasila, Salawa and now Derenalagi as the mainstays, it’s easier for Tuqiri, Tawake and Rotuisolia to slot in and out when required.
Joseva Tamani was missed last week after he was ruled out with a back injury, but he should be good to go in Dunedin. This week Coach Byrne has gone with a six forwards-2 backs bench so he is obviously expecting a torrid battle up front.
Frank Lomani edged Iosefo Masi for the Hoover Player of the Match in Brisbane, based on his solid 80-minute effort. The fact that he can run the show from scrumhalf and then show his versatility as a winger late in the game is a big plus.
So with Lomani as a utility back it gives the coaching staff another option on the bench. They can have an extra forward to finish the match, with Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela and Lomani covering the backline positions.
Masi has been improving on a weekly basis and must be well and truly in Flying Fijian Coach Simon Raiwalui’s good books. But another former 7s star Eroni Sau won’t be seen in Dunedin.
The barnstorming winger failed his HIA last week and has to be stood down because of the strict concussion protocol.
His spot has gone to the promising Taniela Rakuro. Masi finds himself on the wing this week, but I expect he has been given a license to roam and get involved where possible.
It’s taken five weeks but the Ravouvou-Vota midfield combination is back and I can’t wait to see if they can come up with some magic like they produced at times last year.
The Drua Coaching staff would have done plenty of homework on the Highlanders who are coming off their first win of the season, a 16 point victory over the Force in a high scoring game.
The men from Dunedin will be more confident now and after surviving a huge scare from the Drua in Suva last year, they’ll know they’ll have to go the full 80.
I think the Drua have a big chance of turning the tables this year, especially if Frank Lomani can come up with a perfect record off the kicking tee.
Another win on the road will mean they’ll take plenty of momentum into the next home game in Suva in Week 6, which will hopefully be a sell-out.
