Inexperience was the telling factor in the ’s 38-15 loss to Western Force in the National Rugby Championship clash at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, yesterday.

Fresh from their Rapid Rugby campaign, the Force had too much firepower and blew the Drua away with their rush defence and pinpoint tackles.

Drua veterans Joeli Veitayaki, Mosese Ducivaki, Eremasi Radrodro, Johnny Dyer and Serupepeli Vularika started well but wilted away as the pressure mounted.

Indiscipline, poor handling, wrong options and mistackles were the hallmark of their play and the disappointment of head coach , was understandable.

The defending NRC champions simply did not know what had hit them and are now without the Horan/Little Shield.

However, it’s not the end of the road for the Drua as the NRC is still in the second round and they have a chance of making it to the playoffs.

The onus is now on each player to work hard, listen to the coach and try to lift their game. They cannot afford to lose another game if they are to attain a top four spot and qualify for the semi-final.

On a much happier note, Force halfback Issak Fines Leleiwasa who controlled their moves said, he was happy to be playing in Suva.

“I’m a Fijian and I’m from Kaba,” he said.

“I feel good playing in Suva and if I’ve chance to play for the Flying Fijians, I’ll say yes,”

PLAYER RATINGS

1. Joeli Veitayaki: Average game and nothing spectacular 4/10

2. Maikeli Sivo: To work on his running lines 4/10

3. Mosese Ducivaki: Tried his best but needs to cut down on his weight 4/10

4. Tevita Naqali: Toiled hard but needs to be more aggressive 5/10

5. Necani Nawaqadau: Improve on his handling skills 4/10

6. Eremasi Radrodro: Tried hard but need to communicate with his players 6/10

7. Ulaiasi Lawavou: Again worked hard but need to improve fitness 5/10

8. Johnny Dyer: Well marked and was shut out of the game 4/10

9. Serupepeli Vularika: Started well but slowed down in the second half 5/10

10. Peceli Nacebe: Showed his strength but needs to vary his game 5/10

11. Nacanieli Narekuva: Classy finisher but should focus on his defence 5/10

12. Cyril Reece: Made some good runs and a couple of try saving tackles 6/10

13. Poasa Waqanibau: Quiet game and did not offer much 4/10

14. Leveni Kurimudu: Strong runner and defended well 5/10

15. Osea Waqa: Needs to be a team player 3/10.

Edited by Osea Bola

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