3 Lessons For The Fijian Drua
Tomorrow, the young Fiji Airways Fijian Drua must rise to the occasion and score a bonus point win over Queensland Country at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. The defending National Rugby Championship champions and Country are going to battle for the fourth semi-final spot. The winners are going to take it all.
They played in last year’s NRC final which was won by the Drua 3626 at Churchill Park, Lautoka. Despite having a new set of players this year, the Senirusi Seruvakula coached-side have kept their dreams alive with a 40-36 win over Melbourne Rising last Saturday. Trailing 26-7 in the second half they put on a gutsy performance to get the bonus point win. However, there were areas of their play that they need to focus on before taking on Country. These are:
CUT OUT INDIVIDUAL PLAY
Players like utility back Peceli Nacebe should take heed of this message.
With less than five minutes remaining and leading 40-36 against Rising, Nacebe decided to do it on his own with a chip kick that was taken by the opposition who lodged a counter attack and they almost scored the try which could have ended our NRC campaign.
Kicking away possession when we are one the verge of victory is always suicidal.
No one denies the fact that Nacebe is a talented player but needs to be a team player and this is something he could from Apisalome Waqatabu who takes over at fullback.
TIGHT 5 TO STEP UP
We were pushed around in the scrums against Rising and even conceded a penalty try.
With veteran tighthead prop Mosese Ducivaki ruled out due to suspension, the inclusion of Benji Makutu to partner Joeli Veitayaki has been welcomed.
Similarly for locking pair of Tevita Naqali and Epeli Radaniva who have
been playing well. The return of Peni Naulago who partnered Albert Tuisua in last year’s NRC winning team is going to lift them.
The onus is now on the Drua tight five to take on the challenge and be able to rise to the occasion.
TACKLE, TACKLE, TACKLE
Again, they need to connect with their first time tackles. There’s no room for hesitation on whether to tackle or not. Wingers like Nacanieli Narekuva and Aporosa Tabulawaki are great finishers of the game but they need to work on improving their defence.