Drua coach wary of Reds tactic

McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women head coach Mike Legge believes dominance in the collision and execution will be the keys to victory against Queensland Reds in Saturday’s Super W semi-final at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Legge said yesterday that the Reds were a physical side built around winning collisions, making it vital for the Drua to match and better that intensity.

“I’ve been pretty consistent with the areas that I see win us games,” he told SUNsports.

“The Reds are a very collision-based side, so we’ve got to make sure that we match it and give it back to them tenfold. That will create opportunities for us.

“It’s also about skill execution. We’ve got to make sure that we execute our skills well to score points.

“Our game this year has always been based around winning the collision and everything flows from that.”

Legge said the team has continued to improve since their opening round defeat to NSW Waratahs.

“Our girls have built well. We suffered that loss against the Waratahs in round one, but we’ve gradually improved from there,” he said.

“We’ve focused heavily on our collision work, but it’s also about getting our starts right. We feel if we can get through the first 20 minutes, it gives us a great chance of getting a positive result.”

Legge identified the Reds’ forward pack as the team’s biggest threat.

“They base a lot of their game around their forwards. They’ve got a very good set piece, which we saw in our last round-robin game against them.

“They rely heavily on their scrum, especially with the ball carrying of Eva Karpani and a few others, and they also have a strong line-out.

“We’ve got to nullify their set piece in both the scrum and line-out and apply real pressure in defence. If we can do those things well, it will go a long way towards winning this semi-final.”

With a place in the final at stake, Legge said his side was focused solely on Saturday’s challenge.

“We don’t want to look past this weekend. We’ve got to get the job done in the semi-final first before we worry about what comes next.

“It’s nice to think about that but our focus is on making sure the girls are ready to get the win.”

The match kicks-off at 1.05pm.

Line-up

Drua- 1. Karalaini Naisewa, 2. Keleni Marawa, 3. Tiana Robanakadavu, 4. Mereoni Nakesa, 5. Carletta Yee, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Salaseini Railumu, 8. Sulita Waisega, 9. Kolora Lomani (c), 10. Varanisese Qoro, 11. Aqela Raitubu, 12. Josivini Naihamu, 13. Merewairita Neivosa, 14. Atelaite Buna, 15. Litiana Vueti.

Reserves: 16. Bitila Tawake, 17. Zipporah Sorokacika, 18. Keri Lawavou, 19. Karavaki Lutumaibau, 20. Alfreda Fisher, 21. Evivi Senikarivi, 22. Ivamere Rokowati, 23. Verenaisi Ditavutu.

Reds- 1 Hayley Glass, 2. Zophronia Setu, 3. Eva Karpani, 4. Lucy Thorpe, 5. Jemma Bemrose (c), 6. Zoe Hanna, 7. Dillyn Blackburn, 8. Tiarna Molloy, 9. Sarah Dougherty, 10. Lori Cramer, 11. Piper Flynn, 12. Ava Wereta, 13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, 14. Charlie Brigstocke, 15. Harmony Vatau

Reserves: 16. Mary Tuaana, 17. Jordan Neal, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Vineta Teutau, 20. Sarah Riordan, 21. Evie Sampson, 22. Charity Wightman-Beaven,