Fiji Airways Drua head coach Senirusi Seruvakula believes they need to be consistent if they are to beat Western Force in the National Rugby Championship clash at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, on Saturday.

During the first round, the defending NRC champions escaped with a 22-22 draw against Brisbane City while Force pipped Queensland Country 50-49.

Seruvakula said they are looking forward to defending the Horace/Little Shield.

“We’re not just playing the Western Force but are defending the shield for the first time,” he said.

“It will be another big learning curve for the players this Saturday. It will be another tough week against the Western Force.

“It will not be an easy season for us. It will be tough as all the franchises are ready for us. We have to maintain consistency in our game.”

Seruvakula said they had a good start despite the draw.

“There were a lot of opportunities and we should have scored more tries and beat beaten Brisbane City. At the same time, we made a lot of mistakes and we cannot afford to do that against Western Force and the other remaining teams.”

The coach was impressed with the new players as they adapted quickly into the system.

“That is what is expected from them and that is what we want to do, play our Fijian style. For the new players, they are still adapting to it. The senior players played differently from the new players.”

Winger Levani Kurumudu had a bad start as he lost the ball four times.

“Levani is one of the players from last year so he knows what it is like to come up against professional players. We expect him to rise every week and in every game.”

HOME SUPPORT

Seruvakula has urged Fijian fans to come out in numbers on Saturday.

“We need their support to boost the players,” he added.

The match kicks-off at 3 pm.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj