‘WATCH FLYING FIJIANS’
Former Brumbies and Wallaby great says, Super Rugby has helped the Fijians to build on their combinations
Watch the Flying Fijians at the Rugby World Cup, remarked a former Brumbies and Australian Wallaby great. Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham sounded his warning af-* ter the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua came close to scoring an upset win over the Brumbies during their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at the GIO Stadium in Canberra, last Friday night.
The Brumbies had to dig deep to win 43-28 after holding a slender 31-28 lead for most of the second half with referee Damon Murphy disallowing two Drua tries.
“We needed to go deep into our kit bag to find solutions for the powerful Drua who were looking to claim the upset of the season,” Larkham said.
He pointed out that when the Drua is behind on the scoreboard they would run from anywhere and that is where they are most dangerous.
“Once they’re behind the gain line, they’re very dangerous.
“This competition for them is going to do them a world of good going into the World Cup.
“They’re building really good combinations.”
Former Brumbies and Australia tighthead prop Ben Alexander highlighted the outstanding Drua centre partnership of Kalaveti Ravouvou and Iosefo Masi, who scored a try each in the match. Brumbies captain Allan Ala’alatoa said his side weren’t surprised about the physical encounter.
“If I’m honest, it’s what we expected,” he said.
“They’re a quality side and as we saw they’re a team that backs themselves from anywhere.
“I think most of their tries came out of their centre zone and they’re able to hold the ball for a number of phases and dominate collision. They’re a quality side and you’ve got to take your hat off to them.” The Flying Fijians are pooled with Australia, Wales, Georgia and Portugal at this year’s RWC, which is from September 8 to October 28 in France.
Meanwhile, the Drua arrived back home on Saturday as they start their preparations today for this Friday’s clash against the Super Rugby Pacific points table leaders Chiefs at the FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.
The Mick Byrne coached-side will leave on Wednesday for Auckland, New Zealand.
Super Rugby fixtures Friday, April 21, 7.05pm Chiefs v Fijian Drua 9.35pm Rebels v Crusaders Saturday 7.05pm Blues v Waratahs 9.35pm Force v Highlanders