McKellar tells how to beat the Drua

The NSW (New South Wales) Waratahs side is chasing for their first-ever win in Fiji against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at the National Stadium in Suva, this afternoon.

Both teams are after a bonus point win to keep their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal chances alive.

Drua head coach Dan McKellar said his side is confident of doing the impossible.

McKellar said they had a short preparation after playing the Highlanders in Dunedin last Saturday.

“So lots of travel for us,” the former ACT Brumbies and Leicester Tigers head coach said.

“We had a good week. Freshened up and excited to always get to Fiji and play a game of rugby in a country that loves their rugby.

“If we get our plan right, I’m confident. The Drua are a very unique team in terms of how they play.

“So if you starve them of what they want, then you give yourself a chance.

“But you need to come up here, you need to be physical, you need to tackle well and shut down the many threats that they have. But I’m sure it’ll be a great game.”

The Waratahs has beaten the Drua five times but all in their home games in Sydney.

Drua head coach Glen Jackson said most of the players were from the Suva side of Viti Levu, making the occasion special.

“We’ve had a good week off and now we’re into a three-match series against Australian teams.

“I know the players love playing the Waratahs. They’re very physical and a quality opponent. There are some key areas we need to focus on this week.”

Jackson said the breakdown battle would again be crucial.

“It’s important every week. That’s rugby, especially for the way we want to play. If we look after our ball, it gives our exciting backs freedom.

“Our forwards have been doing well around the breakdown in the last few weeks. The Waratahs have also had heavy travel, like us, so they’ll be motivated too.”

Jackson said the remaining three matches were vital to the Drua’s finals hopes.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the players for this game. We’re playing in front of our home fans for the last time this season and that’s motivation enough.

“We probably haven’t played as well as we would have liked in Suva over the past few years, so it’s time to step up and put on a good performance for the home crowd.”

The match kicks-off at 4.35pm