Fiji Airways Fijian Drua head coach Senirusi Seruvakula is confident of a bonus point win over Queensland Country in the final round of the National Rugby Championship at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka today.

Seruvakula added that playing Queensland Country is tough as they have beaten them three times since 2017.

The Drua managed to turn the table and beat Country 36-26 in last year‘s NRC final at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

“I’m confident that we’re going to go out there and play our guts out,” he said.

“This is a do-or-die for both teams and for us we want to make to make it to the semifinal. The boys know how important this game is.

“We’ve put in our experience players like Waqatabu (Apisalome) who is at full-back.

“We’re also bringing back Kurumudu (Levani) and Johnny Dyer.

“We’ve retained the combination of 12 and 13 and also we’ve brought back players that played in the final last year.

“This is the motivational game for them.

“Queensland will come in with confidence and they will try to exploit our mistakes.”

Seruvakula said his players need to improve on their discipline.

Fiji Airways Fijian Drua players 9left-right) Penijamini Makutu, Tevita Naqali, Johnny Dyer during the captain’s run at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on October 11, 2019. Photo: Mereleki Nai

“We need to play the way we want to play, using our Fijian flair. If we play with confidence using our Fijian style than no other team in this competition can come close to us.”

He added that they also need the support of the people to come out in numbers.

“This will boost and encourage the performance of the players. “Lawaqa Park is a good place to play rugby and it is bigger than where were playing in Australia.

“The ground is in good shape and the weather too is what we need.”
Stallions Call For Home Support

Nadroga rugby players who are playing for the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua have urged their province to come out in big numbers to support today’s clash against Queensland Country at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka.

Veteran full-back Apisalome Waqatabu and loose forward Ulaiasi Lawavou said they need a lot of support as a bonus point win would put them into the semifinal.

No.8 Eremasi Radrodro said they are expecting a tough game but are hoping to register a win.

“We will try our best to come up with a win,” he said.

The Nadroga players are calling on their families and friends to be at the

Fiji Airways Fijian Drua flanker Filimoni Seru during the captain’s run at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on October 11, 2019. Photo: Mereleki Nai

LINE-UP

Drua to face Country

1. Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3 Penijamini Makutu, 4 Tevita Naqali, 5. Peni Naulago, 6. Filimoni Seru 7. Johnny Dyer, 8. Eremasi Radrodro, 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Enele Tikotani, 11. Levani Kurimudu, 12. Seru Vularika, 13. Cyril Reece, 14. Juita Wainiqolo, 15. Nacanieli Narequva.

Reserves: 16. Maikele Sivo, 17. Jone Koroiduadua, 18. Timoci Sauvoli, 19. Rusiate Nasova, 20. Jone Navori, 21. Caleb Muntz, 22. Poasa Waqanibau, 23. Samisoni Viriviri

Country to face Drua:

1. Jethro Felemi, 2. Bronson Fotuali’i, 3. Gavin Luka, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Harry Hockings, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Connor Pritchard, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Rohan Saifoloi, 11. Joey Fittock, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Daniel Boardman, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell.

Reserves: 16. Matt Faessler, 17. George Francis, 18. Carter Ozanne, 19. Jeremiah Lynch, 20. Liam Wright, 21. Reuben Wall, 22. Patrick James, 23. Tom Lucas

Nadroga rugby players in the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua squad at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on October 11, 2019. Photo: Mereleki Nai

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj