Coach Predicts Win
Queensland Country’s Rod Seib is confident of retaining the NRC title in Lautoka on Saturday
Queensland Country head coach, Rod Seib is confident that they will retain the National Rugby Championship (NRC) title at Churchill Park, Lautoka this Saturday.
Speaking after their semi-final win over Force, Seib said they are coming over to contest and retain the NRC title.
“The Fijians will be well-supported at home and we saw in their semifinal their ability to stay in the game and compete,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for our team to overcome yet another tough challenge and hopefully claim the title again.”
Seib said Country had struggled to put together a full 80-minute performance all year and during the semifinal there was a positive change. “The team started well, weathered both the weather and the Force’s fight back and managed to close out the match.
“It’s pleasing to see the group continue to grow and improve each week.”
NRC rugby analyst Brett McKay said out of the four semi-finallists the Fijian Drua were known for their attacking prowess while Canberra and the Western Force’s set piece platform worked superbly for them throughout their campaigns. “But (Queensland) Country are the only side who can rely on the set piece and their attack in equal measures. If anyone can beat the Drua in Fiji, Country are the team best-equipped.”
SEVENS SELECTION
Meanwhile, Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber said after Saturday’s final they would be looking into recruiting some potential players from the Fijian Drua side to be part of the sevens squad. “We’ve seen some potential players among the Drua boys,” he said. “For me it is about getting balance and the squad that we have are getting the best coaching.
“You have seen how much it meant to the Drua boys to play in a home semi-final.
“I’m always looking at the Drua squad and they have been well coached and discipline is necessary especially playing in the semi-final and now the final. This has really taught the boys a lot.”
Last year, Baber took in Drua winger Eroni Sau who put on a sterling performance and was named the World Rugby Sevens Rookie of the Year.
Sau is playing for Perpignan in the French Top 14 competition and last week was named in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad to tour Europe in November.
Other Drua players who played sevens with Sau were John Stewart, Vasikali Mudu and Avete Daveta. Baber added that after the NRC final he would at some stage reveal the names of the players.