Consistency key in tough trip to Waikato

LAUTOKA has done it again. It was another memorable day last Saturday when a vocal crowd turned up to cheer on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, and Meli Derenalagi pulled off another upset.

The Crusaders struggled in the heat, but they weren’t making excuses.

They acknowledged that the Drua played well and other teams who have to make the trip to Fiji would have taken note. The Drua proved again that they are a different team at home.

Head coach Mick Byrne said his players were hurting after blowing the chance to pick up a win over Moana Pasifika in Melbourne the previous week.

They trained with renewed enthusiasm and it showed on match day.

I was impressed by a lot of things the Drua achieved against the Crusaders.

They didn’t panic when they were down 10-nil and managed to hit back and go to the half time break all locked up at 10 apiece.

They dominated possession and territory stats and forced the Crusaders to make more than double the amount of tackles the Drua had to complete.

Full credit to the ‘finishers’ coming off the bench who were able to maintain the momentum.

The Drua conceded just one try and not many sides restrict the Crusaders to just a single five pointer. Mick Bryne says they’ve tweaked their defensive pattern this year and it finally worked on Saturday.

It was pleasing to witness the Drua play for the full 80.

Their 20-10 victory was the biggest winning margin in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific in week three.

Everyone in the match day 23 did their bit but as always there were a few standouts. Home Basics Player of the Match Frank Lomani was at his best, asking questions of the Crusaders’ defence and he also pulled off some dominant tackles.

Frank switched to the wing late in the match and his versatility will be missed this week as the Drua manage his workload along with hooker Tevita Ikanivere.

The effort up front last week was also pleasing. There was no Nasilasila at lock but Vocevoce and Ratuisolia stepped up and the back row of Waga, Miramira and Captain Derenalagi had their moments.

Props never really receive big wraps because everything they do is done in the tight and at scrum time, but I thought Hetet and Koroiduadua had good games and it’s no surprise to see them retained this week.

Winger Ravutaumada maintained his great early season form and scored a great try in the second half. Young flyhalf ArmstrongRavula outplayed his opposite number and continues to grow in confidence.

It was good to see fullback Droasese get through unscathed after returning from injury and I think last season’s top try scorer Masi is ready to get back on the scoresheet in coming weeks.

So once again this week we’re looking for some consistency from the Drua, but it won’t be an easy trip to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs who are coming off their first loss of the season, going down 25-19 to the Reds in Brisbane.

The men from the Waikato are determined to bounce back and inflict more pain on road for the Drua who have lost their last 10 matches away from Fiji.

If they are to break the ‘away’ losing streak they’ll have to do it with a new look squad.

There are four players starting for the first time this year. Congratulations to hooker Mesulame Dolokoto, scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli, centre Michael Naitokani and winger Junior Ratuva.

Reserve hooker Zuriel Togiatama, prop Samuela Tawake, scrumhalf Peni Matawalu and winger Taniela Rakuro will get a chance to make an impact off the bench.

Some believe that if you shut down Damian McKenzie you shut down the Chiefs, but they have a lot of strike weapons across the park.

The back three of Nanai-Seturo, Rona and Stevenson can be a real handful.

It’s the third game away from home in four weeks for the Drua and it’ll be a good test to see if they’re learning from previous mistakes on the road.

Also travelling this week are the Mosese Rauluni coached Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women who play the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.

Good luck to both Drua teams and I look forward to a Men’s and Women’s double header in Lautoka next Saturday against the NSW Waratahs.

Purchase tickets early as it’s going to be a huge day at Churchill Park.