Bitila Tawake, the captain of the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s team, is gearing up to lead her squad in a crucial matchup against the Brumbies following a tough loss to the Queensland Reds. The team is concentrating on enhancing their teamwork and execution, aiming to reclaim their momentum in the league.
In her reflections on the previous game, Tawake pointed out the valuable lessons learned from their narrow defeat, stating, “The main message tomorrow would be just working as a team. We learned so much from last week’s game. The loss was heartbreaking; we had the game, but we lost it towards the end.” She highlighted the necessity of scoring points and securing a win in this upcoming match.
Tawake is also focused on personal improvement by aiming to reduce the mistakes that marred their last performance. “There were a lot of mistakes last week that cost us the game. We were very hard on ourselves about those errors during training, focusing on keeping the ball and executing our game plan,” she noted.
Mental readiness is equally recognized as a priority, with Tawake stressing the importance of adequate rest and concentration ahead of the game. “The game starts tonight (last night). Our preparation is crucial, getting enough rest, staying focused, and blocking out distractions,” she emphasized, acknowledging the unique pressures of playing at home.
The team’s mental and spiritual fortitude is bolstered by support from senior players, which Tawake expressed gratitude for. She is particularly enthusiastic about the debut of new talent Carletta Yee, believing that the synergy between seasoned players and newcomers will enhance team cohesion and performance.
Past reports have celebrated the Drua’s resilience and the increasing interest in women’s rugby within the Pacific, noting an upswing in community support for the sport. Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has been proactive in addressing both emotional and technical aspects that contributed to recent performances, highlighting the need for improved tackling techniques and mental readiness as they head into this critical match.
Overall, the Drua Women not only aim to secure a victory against the Brumbies but are also committed to furthering the visibility and support for women’s rugby in their region. With a supportive community rallying behind them and a determination to succeed, their journey represents a promising future for women in sports throughout Fiji.
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