Drua target first Sydney win against Waratahs

The Fijian Drua is aiming to end their winless away game jinx in Sydney, Australia, to­morrow night when they face the NSW Waratahs in round two of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Drua head coach Glen Jack­son said his side would be at full strength as they look to overturn last year's narrow loss.

Last season, the Drua led for most of the match before conceding points in the dying minutes.

"We know every game against the Waratahs has been tight," he said.

"We've beaten them here and we've been close there, so the boys are pumped and ready to go." Re­flecting on their previous outing against Moana Pasifika in Lautoka last weekend, Jackson said a slow start proved costly.

"We were 21-0 down after 15 min­utes. We finished strong and won the last three quarters, but at the end of the day you don't win games like that," he said.

"There were plenty of positives to build on. We're excited to play the Waratahs. It's probably the one team everybody likes to play, and there's nothing better than a six-day turnaround for our men to muscle up and see how we go on Friday."

Jackson said there were a few bumps and bruises during the short turnaround.

Flanker Kitione Salawa put on a heavy defensive shift last Saturday but is replaced by Motikiai Murray. "When you make that many tackles in a six-day turnaround, you have to manage the load. That's why we've gone with Murray. He's had a good pre-season, and we know he's a quality player," Jackson said.

He added that co-captain Frank Lomani would provide leadership at halfback, with Issak Fines-Lelei­wasa on the bench.

"We're going with players who are ready to face a team coming off a good win."

Jackson also welcomed the re­signing of inside centre Isikeli Ra­bitu.

"He's going to be one of the best players this club has had. Re-sign­ing him is great for the team. He's going to be a sensation."

The match kicks-off at 8.35pm.

DRUA: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Mo­tikiai Murray, 8. Elia Canakaivata,

9. Frank Lomani (co-c), 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Taniela Ra­kuro, 12. Isikeli Rabitu, 13. Tuid­raki Samusamuvodre, 14. Ponipate Loganimasi, 15. Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements: 16. Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Kitione Salawa, 21. Issak Fines ­Leleiwasa, 22. Inia Tabuavou, 23. Manasa Mataele

WARATAHS: 1. Tom Lambert, 2. Ethan Dobbins, 3. Dan Botha, 4. Matt Philip (c), 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Clem Halaholo, 7. Charlie Gamble, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Lawson Creighton, 11. Max Jor­gensen, 12. Joey Walton, 13. Joseph ­Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. James Hendren

Replacements: 16. Ioane Mo­ananu, 17. Isaac Kailea, 18. Siosifa Arnone, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. Leafi Talataina, 21. Teddy Wilson, 22. Jack Debreczeni, 23. Triston Reilly

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