Lomani’s moment

CLINICAL Swire Shipping Fijian Drua half-back Frank Lomani will play his 50th Super Rugby Pacific match today as the Drua face the Western Force.

Lomani, who starred in the match against the Crusaders, holds the key to the link between the forwards and the backs.

His decision making, defence, and the ability to read the game have been commended by rugby pundits.

While Lomani becomes the first Drua player to reach 50 matches, rookie Waqa Nalaga will start from the bench.

This is exciting news for the young speedster. Mick Byrne has named a powerful line-up, with the aim of maintaining our winning run at home.

The battle against the Force with stars in Nic White, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Tim Anstee, Ben Funnell, Sam Carter, and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, will not be easy.

Winless to start the season, the Force pulled off a major upset, downing the Reds in emphatic fashion. But the challenge is backing it up in Lautoka.

The Drua proved how hard it is to get a win in Fiji, including a golden point win over the Waratahs, and the hosts will be full of zest, playing in front of their home crowd for a second week straight.

The visitors’ forward pack domination will set a solid platform for their backline to fire off, but their defence will need to be as solid if they’re to have a chance of returning home with a win in the bag.

The Drua will play their hearts out in a bid to move up the points ladder.

The Drua lost to the Force 20-18 and 34-14 in 2022 and last year, so it’s time to bury our winless run.

Toso vakadua Drua!

RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM

Nadawa, Nasinu