Byrne anticipates physical challenge

SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne is anticipating an intense and physical challenge from the New South Wales Waratahs at Churchill Park in Lautoka today.

Hosting the Waratahs at home for the first time and aiming to secure their first victory against them, Byrne acknowledges the big task ahead.

“So we’re looking forward to tomorrow (today) for a good challenge.

“They are a very good side, they bring a very fast, robust, and physical game and we need to make sure we’re ready for that. We need to match that part of the game,” Byrne said.

Having focused on improving their physicality in recent weeks, Byrne is confident in his team’s ability.

“We worked really hard in the past few weeks on our physicality and the times in the game we’ve shown that we get it right, we need to do that for 80 minutes on Saturday,” Byrne said.

Byrne also commended Kitione Salawa who is returning to action after a 11-month rehabilitation.

“We did a little bit of control contact with him last week but this week he’s trying fully, and he tried well.

“I presented a really good case for him and we’ve already signed him on the bench, looking forward to when we inject him into the game,” Byrne added.

Celebrating Fijian Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase’s 50th match, Byrne expects a challenging milestone for the Fijian winger who will start in the no. 14 jumper.

“In the back of his mind, he probably sat down here and thought if I play every time, I could be playing in Fiji for my 50th game and I’m sure and excited by that.”