‘Let’s focus on doing the small things right first’
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s 100 per cent scrum success rate will be the key factor heading into the game against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night.
The physique of our players is already a threat to their opponents but kudos to Drua head coach Mick Bryne and his coaching staff in identifying this area and using it to lift the team’s performance against Super Rugby power house the Brumbies last Saturday.
Our tight three Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere and Kaliopasi Uluilakepa scrummaging made the difference against the Brumbies last weekend, winning 14 scrums.
This Friday the other task the Fijian Drua have on hand is to try and muscle up with the likes of South African prop Cabous Eloff, Emosi Tuqiri and Cameron Orr who will be playing for the Rebels.
The Rebels’ tight five will look to be an improve side from last weekend’s close loss to Queensland Reds.
A good set-piece scrum in our opposition’s half can provide us good scoring opportunity.
This is a period of time to build the team’s morale and strengthen bond as these can lead to improved performance later in the competition.
With Apisalome Vota and Vinhaya Habosi’s big carries and powerful runs all we need is quick balls to reset our attack fast ball – this will definitely keep the Rebels at bay.
Another interesting area that can see the Drua register their first win is our loose man Kitione Salawa’s work rate at breakdown time.
Against the Brumbies we won 59 rucks and a success rate of 96 per cent.
With more effort and relentless work in the breakdown against the Rebels we are likely to register our first win at the Super Rugby competition.
Let’s don’t get ahead of ourselves;
Let us focus on doing the small things right against a resurgent Rebels side.
Our forward pack must be consistent right through the match in dominating the scrums and general play.
Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
