Win not a fluke, Drua must be consistent
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is now the talk of the rugby world following their 25-24 win over six-time Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific defending champion Crusaders at Lautoka’s Churchill Park last Saturday. The Mick Byrne coached-side now gets on the road against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane, this Sunday. Then followed by the Highlanders before returning home to face the Melbourne Rebels in Suva on April 1.
Their win against Crusaders would be a catalyst against Reds at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Importantly the Fijian side needs to get positive results in the next two matches to prove that their win over the Crusaders was not a fluke. Rugby pundits across the Tasman have undermined the efforts of the
Drua alluding to the All Blacks player rest policy as the reason for the loss despite the Kiwis fielding Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, George Bower, David Havili, Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor.
The only fit player rested was Ritchie Mounga-the All Blacks first five eight.
People talk, let alone legends of the code. What the Drua can do is control what is in their hands and good performance against Super Rugby sides.
Good start
Drua should not be a side benevolent on tour and ruthless in their backyard. They must be able to produce the goods on the road as well. A good start will be from the kicking tee. Drua’s No.10 Teti Tela who formerly played for the Reds
and calls Suncorp Stadium home, knows the blades of grass there better.
He showed that when the two sides met there last year.
However, the Daliconi, Vanuabalavu man is a shadow of his former self this season.
He missed three conversions and a penalty from right in front of the posts – nine points gone begging. Tela who spoke to the Drua head coach Mick Byrne straight after the match admitted he wasn’t 100 per cent.
“The good thing about Teti is we know he’s an awesome kicker and as a professional it was just part of the game and we move on,” Byrne said.
“Even the best kickers sometimes have an off day. Even Tiger Woods may not have a hit during his career.” Another area that the Drua needs to strengthen immensely is defence in the rolling mauls.
“Especially within its 22 where teams have noted that the Drua do not contest the lineouts.
“Against the Crusaders, Ioane Moananu overthrew the ball on the Drua side yet the visitors were able to win it back because Drua remained on the ground awaiting the maul.
“Sometimes it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the Crusaders would throw it to only two options Whitelock or Barret.
It is time to move on but little learnings like this could help chart Drua’s voyage further into the competition.