Expectations are high for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s campaign when the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season gets underway.

After their 11th place finish in their debut year, the Mick Byrne coached- side now knows what to expect this time around.

The Nemani Nagusa-captained side registered two wins last sea­son. Again, a remarkable achieve­ment for a newcomer and now they have set their goals for a better fin­ish this time around.

Speaking to SUNsports, loose for­ward Meli Derenalagi said they would have to work on structure play and team work.

“We’ve learned last season that individuality will not take us a long way and team work is a con­cept that we will be leaning more to,” the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist said.

“There will be a lot of expecta­tion for us when we face defending champions and runners-up Cru­saders and the Blues at home.

“We’ve already played against them so we need to regroup this season and work on our game plans in order to play in that level.

“Team work will be the vital and key for us heading into this sea­son because there will be 14 weeks of rugby. I know the coaches and management have already put a game plan together for the new Su­per Rugby season.

“Learning from the previous sea­son is an advantage for us heading into the new one.”

Derenalagi said they have to lift their standard of rugby during the competition.

“We will have to work hard for the win against Crusaders, Blues, Hurricanes and the Rebels. They are not easy teams. Team work will be vital and key for us heading into this season because there will be 14 weeks of continued competi­tive rugby. We will have to rise up to the occasion and give these big teams a good run for their money.”

Story By: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj