Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Assistant Coach Brad Harris says the main focus for the team this week will be to start strongly when they line up against the Reds in their final Super Rugby Pacific round-robin games in Suva on Saturday.
Harris said they need to fast and powerful start, both in attack and defense. He pointed out that in their home games, such starts have generally led to good performances citing the recent match against the Rebels in Suva as an example. Harris said that it was the best start the team had all year.
Also noting the Reds’ impressive start against the Highlanders in their previous game, Harris stressed the need for the Drua to match their opponents’ enthusiasm and physicality from the opening minute.
He said: “Our job as coaches is to make sure the boys stay on tasks and focus on what we need to do in order to start the game well and try to use that nervous energy and anxiety in a positive way.”
Regarding the morale in camp, Harris acknowledged both a level of excitement and nervous energy leading up to the match given what is at stake, but he also recognises the Drua’s ability to rise to the occasion and face the upcoming match head-on.
The Drua are eyeing a semi-final spot and will need to win outright to keep their chances alive. They will also be looking intently at the outcome of other matches this week to facilitate their top eight aspirations.
The Fijian Drua will take on the Reds this Saturday at HFC stadium kick starting at 4.35pm.
