Matawalu or Lomani? Byrne to decide

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua's Peni Matawalu showed what he is capable of in their 31-26 win over the Melbourne Rebels, last Friday night.

The Namosi halfback made the starting line-up for the first time after coming off the bench against the Waratahs and Brumbies.

Facing the Rebels, was a massive challenge for Matawalu who had to play against the experienced, Joe Powell.

Powell, played four Test matchesfor the Wallabies along with 96 Super Rugby matches- 73 matches for Brumbies and 23 for Rebels.

However, Matawalu showed his class with his fast deliveries and in the second half his kicks behind the Rebels defence enabled the Drua backs to pressure them into mistakes, where they were able to turn it into points.

Not only that, quick thinking from Matawalu, saw him took a quick tap and zig-zagged his way past the Rebels players before delivering the final pass to Apisalome Vota to run in their third try:

His style of play suits the Fijians running style, where they are at their best.

Stats

Players' statistics obtained from ESPN showed that Matawalu had outplayed and outsmarted Powell, in almost every aspect of the

game.

This Saturday's clash against the Super AU champions, Queensland Reds, Drua head coach Mick Byrne is faced with a tough task to decide on who will don the No.9 jumper.

The arrival of Flying Fijians first choice halfback, Frank Lomani from London has made selectionvery difficult.

Barring any injuries, Byrne will decide on whether to start Matawalu and bring Lomani in as an impact player.

If not, then move Matawalu back to the bench while Lomani gets his first start in the Super Rugby Pacific 2022 comp.

In terms of experience, Lomani has got 25 Super Rugby matches under his belt compared to Matawalu's three.

However, Lomani had been playing mostly on the wing and one of the reasons why he had to leave the Saints, was the need for him to get quality game time at halfback.

Our opponents are working around the clock to get their experienced halfback Tate McDermott recovers in time for the Drua clash.

They know the importance of having their best No.9 available.

McDermott, who injured his ankle against the Waratahs, two weeks ago at the Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, was immediately replaced and was ruled out of last Friday's clash against the Force in Perth.

Rookies Kalani Thomas and Spencer Jeans have stood in for McDermott but against the Fijian Drua, Reds coach Brad Thorn will want his best man to be at halfback.

And so are we, as Byrne works with his coaches to determine their final selection for the No.9 jumper.

On who they'll decide, it's always done with the best interest of the team and that is to continue on from they had left off at the Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj