ANALYSIS: Mauled, Choked, Back To School For Drua
Nobody saw it coming for the Fiji Airways Drua in Canberra last night.
After making a statement in Suva last week, the John Stewart –captained side were given a rugby lesson by the Canberra Vikings.
Playing out-of-sorts rugby, the Drua deserved the 66-5 humiliation at Vikings Park.
The Vikings led 21 -5 at halftime and while many thought the Drua would change tactics in the second half, the Fijians slumped in all facets of play outscored 10-1.
The Vikings scored three tries in the first half and seven in the second spell.
They failed to reorganise and adjust to the faster defensive line speed of the Vikings which caught them flat, time and again.
They also failed to play for territory when given the chance instead opted for a one dimensional attack, failing to gain the yards and took the wind out of their effort.
It was a reality check for the Drua and they need a complete turnaround against the Greater Sydney Rams next weekend.
Here’s how we rate our Fijians.
1. Joeli Veitayaki-Flat performance -3.5
2. Ratunaisa Navuma-Need to fine-tune his throwing accuracy, learn the rules -3.5
3. Kalivati Tawake-Strong upfront but failed to gain the yards in his runs -4
4. Peni Naulago- Need to marshall the pack, good all round display. 4.5
5. Filimoni Seru-Hardworking a good defensive player. 5
6. Samu Saqiwa- Tackled throughout -5.
7. Mosese Voka- One of the best players on the park but need to be a team player -5-5.
8. Peni Raidre- Slow ball from the scrum made his players sitting targets -4
9. Frank Lomani –Scored the only try of the match but need to communicate better with team -4.5
10. Kini Douglas-Failed to fire, need to be replaced by Kitione Taliga in the next game -3
11. Avete Daveta-Had his chances, need to improve his running angles-4
12. Eroni Vasiteri – Played well defensively but need to organise defence and attack.
13. John Stewart- Led by example, good effort. -6
14. Eroni Sau-Need to improve his running angles. -4.5.
15. Apisalome Waqatabu – Poor decisions costly for Drua.
Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj
