Fijiana 7s duo Atelaite Buna and Verenaisi Bari return for Brumbies clash

The return of Fijiana 7s stars Atelaite Buna and Verenaisi Bari strengthens a healthy McDonald’s Fijian Drua squad aiming to build a home fortress at 4R Stadium, Ba on Saturday.

The duo rejoins the side after international sevens commitments and has been named in the starting line-up.

Head coach Mike Legge said both players would add valuable experience to the team.

“We have slotted our sevens girls straight into the line-up. Both Buna and Bari will feature in this weekend’s game,” Legge said.

“They are an important part of what we’re trying to build here, even though they’ve come in later than the rest of the squad.

“Their experience from being part of this group and Fijiana in the past has helped them assimilate into everything pretty easily.

“We’re excited to see them run out this weekend and we’re hoping for big games from both.”

Legge said the Drua were in good shape heading into the match despite a minor injury concern during the week.

“We are actually going into this game quite healthy,” he said.

“We did suffer an injury on Tuesday to one of our players, but that hasn’t really impacted the team that’s running out on Saturday.

“We’ve got a clean bill of health and that is reflected in the selections.”

After claiming victory in their first home match of the season last week, Legge said the team hoped to turn Govind Park into a fortress.

“It was awesome. Everyone was excited and nervous, so it was good to get that first home game out of the way,” he said.

“We’re expecting quite a good crowd up in Ba, a loud crowd. Our supporters are the greatest in the world and they got us through that second half.”

The match kicks off at 2pm.The return of Fijiana 7s stars Atelaite Buna and Verenaisi Bari strengthens a healthy McDonald’s Fijian Drua squad aiming to build a home fortress at 4R Stadium, Ba on Saturday.

The duo rejoins the side after international sevens commitments and has been named in the starting line-up.

Head coach Mike Legge said both players would add valuable experience to the team.

“We have slotted our sevens girls straight into the line-up. Both Buna and Bari will feature in this weekend’s game,” Legge said.

“They are an important part of what we’re trying to build here, even though they’ve come in later than the rest of the squad.

“Their experience from being part of this group and Fijiana in the past has helped them assimilate into everything pretty easily.

“We’re excited to see them run out this weekend and we’re hoping for big games from both.”

Legge said the Drua were in good shape heading into the match despite a minor injury concern during the week.

“We are actually going into this game quite healthy,” he said.

“We did suffer an injury on Tuesday to one of our players, but that hasn’t really impacted the team that’s running out on Saturday.

“We’ve got a clean bill of health and that is reflected in the selections.”

After claiming victory in their first home match of the season last week, Legge said the team hoped to turn Govind Park into a fortress.

“It was awesome. Everyone was excited and nervous, so it was good to get that first home game out of the way,” he said.

“We’re expecting quite a good crowd up in Ba, a loud crowd. Our supporters are the greatest in the world and they got us through that second half.”

The match kicks off at 2pm.