The man who was linked to a ‘monstrous mission’ of transform­ing United States rugby in time for their hosting of the World Cup was at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on Saturday.

He is Warren Gatland, the director of rugby at the Chiefs and Stuff has labelled the new offer as ‘monstrous’.

Gatland has coached Ire­land, transformed Wales and been at the heart of success­ful British and Irish teams was seen among the Chiefs top executives after their 35-34 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Swire Shipping Fi­jian Drua.

Gatland’s son Bryn played for the Chiefs at first five eight and he scored try and kicked over four conversions for a tally of 13 points.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua centre Apisalome Vota is tackled by Chiefs halfback and captain Brad Weber while Drua’s halfback Frank Lomani comes in for support on May 28, 2022. Vota scored two tries but they went down 35-34. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

New challenge

The inclusion of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Moana Pasifika teams have brought a new lease of life to the Super Rugby Pa­cific competition.

This was gist of Chiefs cap­tain Brad Weber’s message after their 35-34 win over the Drua.

“I think the inclusion of the Drua and Moana is a breath of fresh air as both teams play a different style of rug­by,” he said.

“Pacific rugby teams are al­ways known for their physi­cality and flair, we’ve seen that in abundance.

“Both teams will reflect on their season with a massive amount of learnings and they know what they need to do in the off-season.

“Also both team’s retention and recruitment strategy to better prepare them for next year.

“They have exceeded what we expected them to achieve and a blind man can see how good they could be moving.”

Speaking in the post-match interview captain Brad Web­ber said they have learned a lot of things moving for­ward.

“A lot of learnings out there, around composure, shutting out the game, condi­tions, around respecting the opposition I’m grateful with that,” he said.

Webber said he was im­pressed with the fans turn­out at Churchill Park.

“I was intimidated, it was just awesome coming off the bus to the ground I thought I would see more people walk­ing into the ground.

“I didn’t realise they were already there like two hours before the game and that’s amazing,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter where you play if you have your home team behind you like that, that’s worth points for your team.

“They going to inspire you and lift you to keep fighting and there is no doubt there were important part of the Drua coming home.”

Scores

Chiefs 35 (Angus Ta’avao try 14min, Bryn Gatland try 21min, Emoni Narawa tries 40min, 53min, penalty try 66min; Bryn Gatland 4 con);

Fijian Drua 34 (Apisalome Vota tries 31min, 75min, Ka­laveti Ravouvou try 70min, Timoci Sauvoli try 79min; Teti Tela 4 con, 2 pen).

Halftime: 21-7.

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