What makes Habosi tick? Coach reveals

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players are fast adapt­ing to the demanding Super Rugby environment.

This was the gist of Drua head coach Mick Byrne’s message dur­ing a press conference yesterday.

“At first, the players were quiet and seemed to be looking for direc­tion,” he said.

“Now they have shown a lot of energy and belief.

“It has been a learning process for the past six weeks.

“They have learnt of their roles and how to get things right.”

Byrne highlighted the players are now talking a lot among them­selves and also in the team as they are growing in confidence.

When asked about the perfor­mance of winger Vinaya Habosi, Byrne said, it was his big attitude to the game.

“He carries the ball like he wants to break tackles.

“He carries the ball like he wants make the game alive.

“He carries the ball with pur­pose. He is fit, fast and strong.”

Byrne said like any other player Habosi is learning and getting bet­ter every week.

“I want to keep improving every week but I don’t know how much he will take but I know he’ll be the best at the end of the day.”

The no-nonsense coach also said they had been working on their kicking part of the game.

“All our players are working on it and it’s a big part of our game,” he added.

Meanwhile, Byrne is expected to keep the centre partnership of Kalaveti Ravouvou and Apisalome Vota with Habosi on the wing.

Also, Kitione Taliga and Tuid­raki Samusamuvodre are likely to start from the bench against the Waratahs.

Lock Isoa Nasilasila could make his return to the No.4 jumper to partner the much-improved Soro­vakatini Tuifagalele.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj