The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players are now adapting to what life is like when they become professional rugby players

This was the view of Fiji Rugby Union chief ex­ecutive officer John O’Connor after watching their Super Rugby Pacific opener and debut against the Waratahs, last Friday night.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, he said it was pleasing and satisfying to see the players grow and adapting to the life of a professional rugby player.

“They have really developed physically, and it was also very pleasing to note how they have adapted mentally and spiritual to be able to adapt to the lifestyle of a professional rugby player and its pressures,” he said.

“(Last) Thursday was an emotional day for all of us as the entire team understood the importance of the occasion and our first match in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

“However, it was very pleasing to see the players remain calm and just get on with their individual preparation and maintain their focus.

“After the match, the players stayed behind and thanked supporters who had turned up.

“Even though they returned to their hotel at about midnight after recovery, the players were back at breakfast at 7am the next morning and ready for check out and travel back to their base to start their preparation for their next match against the Brumbies.”

O’Connor said this is new to most of the Drua players, but they are quickly adapting to what pro­fessionalism is all about.

“The game against the Waratahs enabled the players to experience first-hand what it is like to play in Super Rugby and the standard that is re­quired to be competitive in the competition.

“The players have acknowledged that playing Su­per Rugby is a different standard and that they are committed to working much harder to be able to be competitive in the Super competition.”

The team and likewise individual players have reviewed their performance and they are now fo­cused on their preparation for their match against the Brumbies

Changes in line-up

O’Connor said they are expecting changes in the line-up for the match against the Brumbies as some of the players were injured and others have recovered from their injuries and being available for selection.

“Teti (Tela) could be available while Kitione Ta­liga still needs a bit of time to fully recover. There could be some positional changes as well,” he add­ed.

The Drua travel to Canberra to face the Brumbies on Saturday at the GIO Stadium at 3.35pm.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj