The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are gearing up for a challenging encounter against the Hurricanes this Saturday in Napier, aiming to redeem themselves after a narrow 36-32 loss to the ACT Brumbies in their opening match of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. The stakes are high for both teams, as they look to recover from disappointing starts to the season.
Head coach Glen Jackson has emphasized the importance of dominating the breakdown, a crucial aspect of the game that he believes the Drua need to improve upon after their last match. “We lost the contact battle against the Brumbies, and we need to ensure we win that battle,” Jackson remarked, highlighting the physical demand that the Hurricanes will bring, similar to the Brumbies.
With the Hurricanes also coming off a close loss to the Crusaders, both teams will be highly motivated to secure a victory. Jackson is optimistic about his squad’s potential, stating, “Our expectations are to win. We’re not going there for any other reason.” The Drua held an intense training session to prepare for the physicality of the Hurricanes, showcasing their commitment to improving.
In terms of injuries, the Drua have been relatively fortunate. Iosefo Masi is fit to play despite previous concerns about his hamstring, while flanker Vilive Miramira will miss a couple of weeks due to an ankle injury. Despite these challenges, Jackson expressed confidence in his team’s ability to leverage their attacking talent if they can maintain possession and secure clean ball.
The match at McLean Park, set to kick off at 3:35 PM, is seen as critical not just for points but for boosting morale as both teams look to gain momentum for the rest of the season. It is a chance for the Drua to establish a stronger narrative in their away games, as they have struggled on the road in past seasons.
Fans are encouraged to support their team, as the Drua look to transform recent performances into positive outcomes. With a mix of promising debutants and the experience within the squad, there is a palpable optimism for what this match could mean for their overall season journey.
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