Poor start

IT has been a disappointing start for the Fijian Drua in the

2025 Super Rugby Pacific season as the team sits second-last from the bottom of the table with no wins in the bag.

This may be because of player injuries and the number of core players departing the squad at the end of last season.

The current set of players are yet to gel together and with the wave of expectations of fans and sponsors alike, the team is yet to enter their full strides.

I had expected a blistering start to the season as they reached the quarter-finals after an exhilarating campaign last season, falling short to eventual champions Crusaders.

This weekend is a chance for the Drua to bring some hope and smile back onto the faces of their fans as they clash with the Crusaders in the scorching sun in Lautoka.

The Crusaders are facing challenges of their own with the departure of famed long-term coach Scott Robertson and a handful of their experienced players such as Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Mitchel Dunshea and Sione Havili.

With both teams searching for their first victory this season, it will all depend on who plays their cards right on match day.

Fiji-born wingers Sevu Reece and Manasa Matele will start on either side of the Crusaders’ wing on their return to their homeland.

This match is equally important to both sets of teams in regards to their table standings and confidence going in further into the important matches this season. Only time will tell if the Drua can turn around their canoe against this raging storm!

RAYNAV CHAND

Nakasi, Nausori