Veitayaki To Lead Drua
Fiji Airways Fijian Drua veteran loose head prop Joeli Veitayaki takes over as captain for this afternoon’s National Rugby Championship clash against Sydney at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, he said there are areas of play that they need to work on. “We’ve been preparing well during the week and just working on some mistakes from the last game that cost us the win,” he said.
“We’re trying to maintain possession, not give away stupid penalties, working on our discipline and execution during the game.”
As part of the senior player’s reshuffle, Veitayaki gets the nod to lead the side while Eremasi Radrodro is still at flanker.
Veitayaki said playing at Churchill Park bring back memories for him personally after they won the NRC final there last year. Also, he indicated that they wish the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians well in the Rugby World Cup opener against Australia at the Sapporo Dome, Japan, today.
“The crowd here (Lautoka) is awesome. The boys during training were just thinking about the team in Japan. All of them are anticipating the match this week and we wish them all the best.”
Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula said today’s match is a chance for local players to gain exposure.
“It takes the local guys to another level and gives them a challenge in their rugby career so it’s good for us.
“We have to make sure that the one on one tackle is done correctly and we have to be smart in how we do it and with discipline.’ Seruvakula said there were a few changes to their line-up. “This is due to injury for Poasa (Waqanibau) so we are bringing in Jiuta Wainiqolo. He’s been performing well for Suva during the Skipper Cup. So this has been the opportunity for him to start the game.
“We wanted to get experienced players this week so that’s why we’re bringing back (Serupepeli) Vularika and then we can bring in (Peni) Matawalu.”
He added that the prime focus for the team are to do their level best.
“The competition is still open wide for us but we just need to focus on our game and we will try and get out a win.
“We’ve a few more games ahead of us but we need to focus on this game.”