Fijiana bracing for test
THE Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua expects a tough task to defend the 2023 Buildcorp Super W competition.
The side, which was coached by Senirusi Seruvakula, proved to be the surprise package last year on debut, winning all matches enroute to lift the title.
In a historic first this year, the Fijiana Drua will get the chance to play in front of their home crowd when they open their title defence at Prince Charles Park in Nadi against the ACT Brumbies on March 25.
Former national rep Kele Leawere, who is assisting new Fijiana Drua head coach Inoke Male in the 2023 campaign, said the team had been in camp in Sigatoka for the past eight weeks.
Leawere said there were some new faces in the squad.
“It is important that we make sure that the girls are ready to defend the title,” he said.
“We have lost the majority of the players from last year so we are on a rebuilding phase but at the same time we are going in to try and defend the title.
“It will be a tough game against the ACT Brumbies. They have a strong side. But then we are playing them at home. This is our first ever Super W match here and we will have the home advantage.
“However at the same time we really need to work hard to make sure that we secure wins in the first two home games before we go to Australia for the other matches.”
The Fijian Drua will take on the Melbourne Rebels at the HFC Stadium in Suva on April 1 before heading off to Australia for the remaining games against New South Wales Waratahs (April 8), Western force (April 16) and Queensland Reds (April 23).
Leawere said defending the title would not be easy.
“Last year we went in as the underdogs but got the positive results through the guidance of head coach Senirusi (Seruvakula),” he said.
“The team was undefeated throughout the competition winning the title. That has really set the platform for the team this year. The other teams in the Super W competition will be aiming to beat us.”