Chiefs Next on Drua's List

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side today starts their preparations for Saturday's Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.

This was after the Meli Derenalagi- captained side recorded their first Super Rugby win for the 2024 season by beating Crusaders 20-10 at Churchill Park, Lautoka, last Saturday.

The Reds however suffered a 25-19 upset loss to Reds and will be coming out firing against the Fijians.

Drua head coach Mick Byrne said they are going to look closely at how they are going to approach the Chiefs on their home ground.

"For us probably to keep building on what we are doing," the wily coach said.

"The tactical area is where we will be looking at against the Chiefs and how we'll work our game around it.

"When we play our game, we will have to look at some technical areas and the changes we need to make."

Drua fans at Churchill Park during the ShpNSave Super Rugby clash between Crusaders vs Fijian Drua. Photo: Leon Lord

Byrne said the most important aspect is to focus on their game.

"That is to continue carrying the ball, around the contact area, recycle and go at it again. And we need to keep asking the question of the Chiefs defence.

We have a talented team that will ask a lot of questions but however we must focus on our game."

For the Drua, the highlight of the win is the performance of 20-year-old Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who kicked over two conversions and two penalties for a personal tally of 10 points.

The former Fiji Under-20 rep was rated as the best No.10 in last year's World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town, South Africa.

He has started in all the Drua's three Super matches and is a definite starter against the Chiefs. Crusaders head coach Rob Penney rated the youngster who is the nephew of former All Blacks and Crusaders first five-eighth Richie Mou'nga.

"Last year he played very well for Manawatu in the NPC (National Provincial Championship in New Zealand). He is a good player. Good boy," Penney said.

Derenalagi attributed their good performance to the U23 players in the Drua development squad for pushing them hard during training.

"These young players raised the bar for us during training and pushed us to the limits. I want to thank them for that," the lanky backrow said.

Expect changes in the Drua lineup after centre Apisalome Votacame off injured while there were concerns on lock Leone Rotuisolia.

Substitute Kemu Valetini played well at second-five eighth along with Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta.

The match kicks-off at 6.05pm.

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