Hooper ‘A Threat’

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua blindside flanker, Meli Der­enalagi, is the man tasked to stop Wallabies and Waratahs cap­tain Michael Hooper, if he plays in Friday night’s Super Rugby Pa­cific clash.

Drua head coach Mick Byrne said yesterday they are aware of Hoop­er’s indication to the Australian media that he could be making his return (from injury) on Friday

“We all know of Hoop’s leader­ship, work ethic and he will be a big add for them, he’ll be fresh and we should be on our guard,” Byrne said.

He also indicated the Waratahs are going to be very physical with a bit of electricity in their backs.

However, the wily coach indicated that Derenalagi, lock forward Isoa Nasilasila, Tuidraki Samusamu­vodre and Kitione Taliga are back training and would be considered for selection.

Derenalagi manned the blindside flanker’s berth and captained the Drua in their 31-26 win over the Re­bels and the close 33-28 loss to the Reds.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games gold medallist made try saving tackles against the Reds and was replaced because of injury.

Byrne indicated that they need to be physical right from the opening whistle against the Waratahs.

“We need to be competitive and not play catching up,” he added.

Byrne said the disappointing fac­tors of their 42-27 loss to the Rebels were their failure to contain them in the opening 20 minutes, loose carries and how their scrums fared.

“We worked hard on our scrums and the boys did well during train­ing.

“There were lots of physical stuff but all of these did not turn up on the night and we did not do so well.”

Need to start winning

Although placed 10th on the points table, Byrne said, they need to win the next few games to be in the top eight and a chance to quali­fy for the playoffs.

The men’s clash kicks off at 8.45pm but earlier on at 6pm the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua take on NSW Waratahs in the Super W top of the table clash.

Byrne said they would be at the ground to encourage our women before they take on the defending champions.

“We’ll show our support and we also call on people in Gold Coast to come and support our women also,” he added.

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