Drua brace for forward battle in Sydney

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson expects a tough forward battle against the Waratahs in tonight’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash in Sydney.

Jackson said the Drua would need to “front up” against a full-strength Waratahs pack under head coach Dan McKellar, the former Brumbies mentor.

“There’s a bit of a transition around what they’re doing this year,” Jackson said.

“They’ve got an amazing backline — world-class signings, Wallabies and everything like that — and it’s going to be won in the forward pack.”

He said the Waratahs had also changed their defensive systems.

“They’ve certainly changed how they defend and have a very fast line speed. It’s a change from last year in how they’re playing, but they’ve got some quality players in the backline.”

Jackson said his players were motivated by past encounters between the two clubs.

“There’s plenty of history around what the Waratahs have said and done with us. We’re taking that on board and we’re looking forward to fronting up and winning that battle.”

Jackson also reflected on his halves combination after the 26-40 loss to Moana Pasifika in their opening round clash in Lautoka, last Saturday.

“Issak’s (Fines-Leleiwasa) debut for the club — he did a great job in terms of how he played. Kemu (Valetini) in the second half did really well with the wind behind him and kicked well.

“This week we’ve gone for a bit more experience, probably. Having Frank as our captain, just having him on the field to start with, and then Issak around his passing game and speed, just trying to get into that.”

Waratahs attack coach Mike Catt said they cannot allow the Drua to take control of the game.

The former England rugby fullback said they have to be clinical in what they do against the Drua.

“We’ve to stick to our principles of the game whether it’s on our kicking and so on,” the former England rugby international said.

Catt reiterated the importance of not allowing the Drua to do what they want to do because they are capable of scoring three tries in 10 minutes.

“Big bodies that move exceptionally quickly. The Drua play an exciting band of rugby,” he added.

The match kicks-off at 8.35pm.