Cards on Fijian Drua five to control, contain opposition
Forwards are considered the engine room of a team; their job is relentless in fighting for territory and possession for 80 minutes of intense rugby.
To carry out that important role against the Hurricanes this weekend will be our ever impressive back row.
They will be engineered by captain courageous Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Viliame Rarasea, Ratu Rotuisolia and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta.
These players have the taunting task of containing Ardie Savea and his inform Hurricanes forward pack at the Star Stadium, Wellington on Sunday afternoon.
Every minute of the battle is ruthless; consistency in performance is vital.
They will provide the lung power in scrummaging, they will have to put in their 100 per cent effort to get their set-pieces right.
One thing is for sure is that these players will go in hard; physicality will be top notch for our back rows.
They will have to fight for possession and territory to keep the game going and points coming.
Our stats against the Highlanders last Saturday at the ANZ stadium indicated that we match the Highlanders.
They won and retained 94 per cent of their own ruck and won 11 turnovers during the game, we won 14 of the 13 scrums with 92 per cent dominance.
Derenalagi, Miramira, Rarasea, Rotuisolia and Cirikidaveta are five players known for their physical game, fierce tackling ability and try-scoring ability that blend with top notch offloads.
Let’s play our Fijian flair with a bit more awareness and structured rugby that is part of our game plan.
Our boys have the skills and the speed to outclass any opposition and create something out of nothing.
Offloads will be one of biggest weapon with good vision, good communication and support play we will be able to outclass the Highlanders.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua back row will have to lift their game and not be strangled by the Hurricanes if they are to win possession.
Fact is the forwards win games and the backs decide by how many, the team has to work much harder in set pieces and control field possession.
With a team like Hurricane, their work rate is higher therefore the demand to win all facets of play is high.
Our backrow have proven themselves against Australian teams and previously the Highlanders.
Stick to the basics and fight for everything that the Hurricanes will throw at them.
Our opposition will play tactical and smart rugby, we have to be prepared in countering their much fancied structure.
Senior players should take ownership of the team and the way they perform.
Work and play as a team, communicate well on the ground and play hard, clean rugby.
Address and remind the younger players of the mission this Sunday.
The Hurricanes will host the Fijian Drua side at the Sky Stadium in Wellington this Sunday.