Drua urged to rethink tactics ahead of Waratahs clash

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will need to be tactical as they prepare for Waratahs test, says Macuata rugby head coach Osea Umuumulovo.

The side needed to bounce back after surrendering their home ground in a 40–26 loss to Moana Pasifika in round one of the Shop N Save Super Rugby at Churchill Park, Lautoka, last Saturday.

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua must adjust their approach and tap into their natural flair when they face the New South Wales Waratahs in round two in Sydney on Friday.

He said the Drua were well read by Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga.

“The team needs to change their playing strategy to exploit the Fijian flair in the players, especially the backline. One example was the try by Tuidraki Samusamuvodre,” he said.

The former Lautoka Maroons coach said there was room for improvement at first five-eighth and in the midfield combinations.

“They should have played that style more hitting up the forwards in midfield and then unleashing the backs out wide. Our traditional backline setup of 10, 12, 13, and 14 is not working.

“We need to divide them into units to keep the opposition guessing and create space to use our talented backline in better field position.”

Meanwhile, lock and captain Temo Mayanavanua were named the Home Basics Player of the Match. Fellow lock Kitione Salawa was rated the Tropik Wood Top Tackler after making 15 tackles and scoring a try in his 46 minutes on the field.