Fiji Airways Drua: Let’s learn and move on – Analysis
The Fiji Airways Drua side gave their all despite going down 57-21 to Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship’s semifinal clash at Toowoomba yesterday. Making their debut in the NRC, the John Stewart captained- side gave their all against Country who were boosted with the return of their top players who had been camping with the Wallabies. Playing competitive matches week in and week out against Super Rugby players might have taken its toll on our players.
It has been a valuable learning experience- seeing what had gone wrong and how they could make things right for the next NRC. For Drua head coach Senirusi Seruvakula and our local-based players it’s all now water under the bridge as they focus on taking the challenge to come out a much better side next year.
That’s the way to go and for players the onus is on them to lift their game and go to the next level.
RATINGS
1. Eroni Mawi: Always in the thick of things but need to be more mobile and watch his discipline- 4
2. Vesi Rarawa: Used his experience well, on target with most of his throws and defended well. – 7
3. Kalivati Tawake: Need to work on his discipline. Good in the scrums-4 4.Mataiasi Ucutabua: Dropped the ball at crucial times- 4 5.Peni Naulago: Need to improve on his ball handling skills- 4 6.Samu Saqiwa: Had a quiet ga- 4 7.Vasikali Mudu: Gave away penalties, had no impact-3 8.Peni Raidre: Gave his all and defended well- 6
9. Seru Cavuilati: Very promising but need to control his pack- 5 10. Kini Douglas: Has improved but need to work on his defence -5 11. Avete Daveta: Had very little ball – 4
12. Cyril Reece: Poor in defence and this was exploited by Taniela Tupou’s thundering runs- 2 13. John Stewart: Made wrong decisions at time and was not in his usual best- 3 14.Eroni Sau: Tried hard but would have done well if moved to the centres- 4
15. Apisalome Waqatabu: Nothing much from him - 3