Buy a ticket today to support the Drua do the impossible

The participation of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition has brought a new lease of life to our local-based players.

For many of them who have starred in our Skipper Fiji Rugby Championship and the Vodafone Vanua Championship for a number of years, finally got a chance to secure a contract and play in what is regarded as the world’s toughest franchise competition.

This is where they rub shoulders with the world’s best players like Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith, James O’Connor, Michael Hooper, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Beauden Barrett and the list goes on, week in and week out.

This Saturday in Lautoka, they get another chance to play against current All Blacks captain Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson and Brad Weber who are going to be part of the Chiefs outfit.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime for our localbased players.

In their debut Super Rugby year, the Drua have impressed with two wins under their belt and who knows they might get their third at Churchill Park.

And not only that there have been some close games especially against the Queensland Reds and Western Force, where the Aussies won the game right in injury time.

The Drua have beaten Melbourne Rebels 31-26 And Moana Pasifika 34-19. For a Super Rugby newbie to achieve such a record in their debut year is rarely seen.

But the icing on the cake is how our local-based players have lifted their game and made their mark in Super Rugby.

The likes of flying winger Vinaya Habosi, who is dubbed the ‘Bossman’ by rugby commentators, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Apisalome Vota, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Samu Tawake, Timoci Sauvoli, Jone Koroiduadua, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Kitione Taliga, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesu Dolokoto, Peni Matawalu, Onisi Ratave, Chris Minimbi, Vilive Miramira, Rusiate Nasove and Leone Nawai.

However, the journey has been a learning one. Surely, there are things that may not have gone our way- on and off the field but it does not end there. It’s about getting things right the next time around.

Let’s remember that we are still in our first year and the results achieved is a promising sign of things to come.

Drua head coach Mick Byrne said it right that it’s all about taking our learnings, work hard on it and to make it right. This is the only best way to progress.

So, let’s end our Super Rugby debut year in style by purchasing a ticket today as a show of support for our Drua as they are tasked to do the impossible of beating the Chiefs here at home. Yes, it can be done.