Play smart against Crusaders: Volavola

The Fijian Drua must put up a 'play smart' strategy if they are to upset the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, former Flying Fijians and Queensland Reds prop Peni Volavola said nothing is im­possible for the Drua.

"The Drua can create an upset win," he said.

"They've capable players who can do the job but what they need is to have smart game plan in place." ­

Volavola said from the loss to the Blues, the Drua did well to hold a 15-14 lead early into the sec­ond half but only fell apart when captain Frank Lomani had to leave the field along with some other key players.

He pointed out that re­placement halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa has a dif­ferent style of play com­pared to Lomani.

"Every time Lomani comes in the team progresses. Anoth­er player that has that sort of influence is number eight Elia Canakaivata.

"I believe Lomani and Canakaivata should come in as impact players because of their ability to lift the team right to the final whistle. The Drua lost their last two games in the final quarter and they've got to switch the players around."

Volavola also highlighted the need for a specialist first five-eighth since it is a crucial position.

"The one playing No.10 must master the art of game management. Al­ways reading the game, when to pass or to kick for touch to relieve the pressure on the forwards. In actual fact, he directs the game."

He said Kemu Valetini should not be blamed for his game against the Blues because he has not being played in the past four games.

"He only played against Moana Pasifika and now against the Blues. For Kemu he should be sharing the role with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and he should be given at least 10 to 15 minutes of game time against Waratahs, Hurricanes, Brumbies and Reds.

Volavola said the emergence of second-five eighth Iosefo Namoce is a positive sign for the Drua.

"Basically, it's also important for the Drua management to give their younger players whose age range from 20 to 25, the chance to play," he added.

Volavola said the Drua forwards must work together to execute their job against the Crusaders.

"The Crusaders like the All Blacks will use their forwards to lay the foundation of their game. That is why the Drua forwards must work to­gether to take on whatever is dished out to them."