Injured Fijian Drua halfback Frank Lomani emphasized the necessity of establishing early momentum and securing points in their upcoming Super Rugby Pacific match against the NSW Waratahs. The clash will take place tomorrow at Churchill Park in Lautoka, and Lomani highlighted the importance of not waiting for the Waratahs to dictate the pace of the game.
Reflecting on the Drua’s performance this season, where they currently sit at the bottom of the standings with only one victory and seven losses, Lomani stressed the need to apply early pressure. He articulated that preventing the Waratahs from gaining comfort in their game is crucial. “We can’t afford to wait for the Waratahs to do something on attack and then we react,” Lomani stated, acknowledging the team’s struggles with controlling early possessions in past games.
Lomani cautioned against underestimating the Waratahs, especially given their recent victory over the top-ranked Chiefs. He expressed that while taking penalty kicks might be an option, it ultimately depends on the circumstance during the match. His focus on avoiding repeated mistakes and managing low yellow card offenses was equally vital, as he called for patience among his teammates.
Despite being ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury, Lomani remains optimistic about the Drua’s potential for improvement. He articulated a desire to return to their original style of play, which involves dynamic and unpredictable tactics to keep opponents on their toes.
This sentiment echoes previous calls from team leadership, including co-captain Mesulame Dolokoto, who urged players to maintain their enthusiasm in light of challenging results. The Drua’s coach, Glen Jackson, has also pointed to the need for discipline and strategic execution to leverage their strengths, especially when playing at home.
As the Drua prepare for what many view as a critical match, the support of their fans and their commitment to growth on the field may inspire a turning point in their season. With renewed focus on applying lessons learned from previous contests, there is an air of hope that they can showcase their determination and resilience against a formidable opponent.
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