Swire Shipping Fijian Drua centre Apisalome Vota is confident in his team’s ability to win over the Western Force in Perth this Saturday night, emphasizing the importance of playing with Fijian flair and seizing scoring opportunities.
Currently positioned eighth on the table with 17 points, Drua seeks to secure their spot in the quarter-finals with three crucial wins. Despite a setback in Canberra last week, where they lost to the Brumbies 20-28, Vota reassures fans that the team is in high spirits and poised for victory in Perth.
“The boys are looking forward to this week’s game and we are positive we will come back with a win this week,” Vota said.
Encouraging his teammates to capitalise on scoring chances and uphold their unique Fijian style of play, the Navuso, Naitasiri man stressed the importance of taking three points and maintaining their trademark offload game.
“Our main goal is to qualify for the quarter-final, we are on track we just need a win this week to nail it,” Vota said.
With their sights set on the quarter-finals, Vota knows the importance of securing a win in this away fixture.
Meanwhile the Western Force gears up for a final push against top-eight contenders. Openside flanker Carlo Tizzano stresses the significance of performance in their upcoming clash.
In an interview with Force Media Tizzano believes performance is key for them this week.
“How exciting to have two home games against two teams who are fighting for the top eight spots. This is more of a ‘what if’ for us.
“We want to perform this weekend. Performance is key for us. That will build us momentum. This competition is a sprint, so we’re excited,” he said.
Aware of Drua’s strengths, Tizzano emphasizes the need to disrupt their rhythm and maintain defensive structure.
“They’re phenomenal, probably the best in the world at picking through the ruck, quick throws, offloading, all those little things that can change the tempo and momentum of the game like that.
“For us it’s huge to stay in system and don’t let them play their game,” he added.
On an individual level, Tizzano has been a shining light for the Force this season, leading Super Rugby Pacific with 171 tackles made, ahead of the Crusaders’ Tom Christie (157) with the Force’s Hamish Stewart sixth overall with 132.
