The Fijian Drua are gearing up to face the Chiefs at their home ground in Lautoka, hoping to turn around a challenging start to their Super Rugby Pacific season marked by three narrow defeats. Captain Frank Lomani emphasized that the team has trained hard this week, preparing to leverage their home advantage against the table-leading Chiefs.
Lomani expressed confidence, stating, “The boys are really excited… no pressure on us because we put in the work.” He highlighted the importance of focusing on their game plan rather than the pressure of needing a win. Following recent losses, he acknowledged the need for improvement in discipline and ball control, which have been issues in their prior matches.
This match holds significant importance not only for the Drua, who currently sit at the bottom of the standings, but also for their morale. The atmosphere at Churchill Park is expected to be electric, as the passionate fans rally behind their team. Lomani noted that playing in Fiji is always a special experience, and he believes support from fans both locally and in the diaspora will inspire the Drua to perform at their best.
Coach Glen Jackson is optimistic, aiming for his squad to capitalize on home support as they seek their first win of the season after close losses against the Brumbies, Hurricanes, and Waratahs. The recent performances have shown promise, with younger players stepping up and contributing positively. Jackson is keen on transforming the team’s narrow misses into a breakthrough victory.
With the match set to kick off at 3:35 PM, fans hope this game will mark a turning point in the season for the Drua, showcasing their resilience and potential. The blend of experienced players and emerging talent within the squad creates a hopeful narrative as they look to make their mark in the Super Rugby Pacific league.
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