FRANK LOMANI has thrown down the gauntlet as the SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua prepare to host the Highlanders in a must-win Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 clash at 4R Stadium in Ba today. With finals hopes still alive, the Drua co-captain insisted the side must not only win but secure maximum points — including a bonus point — in front of a large home crowd at Govind Park.
“Going back to play in Ba, there’s a lot to play for. We want to make it to the final,” Lomani said, stressing the margin for error is small. “Saturday, we need to win with a bonus point and make the cut.” The blunt assessment follows last week’s loss to the Chiefs, which Lomani said exposed areas where the Drua must tighten up. “We cannot afford to make mistakes, mistakes that will cost us. We can only control what we can,” he added, calling for improved discipline and sharper execution.
Lomani warned the Highlanders will not be an easy proposition, pointing to their experience and kicking game as key threats the Drua have been preparing for. The visitors also feature a strong Fijian contingent, including Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai and winger Jona Nareki, setting up compelling match-ups across the park. Lomani said the players hold their opponents in high regard and are relishing the challenge of facing compatriots on the opposing side.
The match carries personal significance for the Drua, with number eight Elia Canakaivata poised to make his 50th appearance for the club. Canakaivata’s milestone adds an extra layer of occasion to the fixture, one the club is hoping will be fuelled by the support of the home faithful. “We are really grateful to have the best fans in the world, always having our backs as family,” Lomani said, as organisers expected a packed Govind Park to rally behind the team.
Round 12 represents a pivotal juncture in the Drua’s campaign. While the squad has shown flashes of strong form this season, the loss to the Chiefs has made this fixture against the Highlanders effectively a gimlet for their finals trajectory: a win with the desired bonus point could keep qualification hopes alive, while anything less would complicate their path.
Coaching staff have been working to counter the Highlanders’ kicking strategy and to shore up the Drua’s defensive shape, with an emphasis on reducing penalties and handling errors that have proved costly. Lomani’s leadership — both on and off the field — will be central as the Drua look to convert home advantage into the results they need.
Today’s encounter at 4R Stadium in Ba will therefore be more than a local derby; it is a high-stakes test of character, execution and resilience as the Drua chase the points they need to remain in the race for Super Rugby Pacific finals rugby.