In chapter eight, titled “Changing Habits, Changing Bodies,” the journey of the Fijian Drua as they transitioned into Super Rugby is highlighted. After three seasons, the Drua faced the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park with the goal of achieving their first away victory.
The match started well for the Drua, who led 20-8, but their fortunes took a turn when lock Leone Rotuisolia was sin-binned. During his absence, the Rebels seized the opportunity, scoring 21 points and overturning the lead to 29-20. Tensions escalated, leading to red cards for scrum half Frank Lomani and prop Jone Koroiduadua due to reckless behavior.
Coach Mick Byrne shared his insights with the media, praising the efforts of his players as they adapted to the demands of professional rugby. He recognized the emotional challenges they faced, while also underscoring their dedication and hard work throughout the past three years. Byrne’s reflection serves as a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment.
The chapter also highlights the essential contributions of strength and conditioning specialists Naca Cawanibuka and Marty Hulme. The Drua underwent a comprehensive re-education program to meet the fitness standards of professional competition. Their preparation involved early morning training at Lennox Head and carefully curated diets, meticulously designed for optimal performance.
Cawanibuka, leveraging his deep-rooted experience in Fijian rugby and Olympic success, teamed up with the seasoned Hulme to implement transformative training strategies that reshaped the players’ physical and mental habits.
This chapter chronicles the team’s challenges and achievements, showcasing the hard work behind the scenes and the resilience developed through adversity.
The book, “The Rise of the Drua,” will be launched on Thursday, celebrating this remarkable journey and the steadfast spirit of Fijian rugby. Written by rugby commentator Greg Clark and Norman Tasker, the project is spearheaded by former Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn, who is also responsible for distributing the book to retailers and interested parties.