HEAD coach Glen Jackson is looking forward to seeing the Fijian Drua set sail for one last time this season as they take on the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
“We want to win,” Jackson said.
“There’s still massive motivation for us. I reckon we had a good year. It’s disappointing to have five wins with four other teams and to be here second last on the table. But it’s the reality of where we are. We definitely deserve to go out on a good note.”
Jackson said the team was positive ahead of the match and had talked about the importance of finishing this season well.
“We are not going to make the playoffs. I’ve said that to the boys and they understand it.”
Despite not qualifying into the top six the outgoing head coach is proud of what his team was able to achieve season.
“This is a really hard competition and our boys try everything to make themselves, their families and the fans proud. If you look at the competition this year, it’s been dominated again by the New Zealand teams who have been around for 30 years. So having five wins and hopefully six in the weekend, I believe is a good return for this five year-old team. Let’s keep supporting and keep understanding what these young men are trying to do,” he said.
Jackson thanked diehard Fijian Drua supporters who spent money, time and effort to attend matches.
The Drua have made a few changes for this week’s line-up.
Meli Tuni, Zuriel Togiatama and Samuela Tawake retain their positions in the front row.
Togiatama will play his 50th game for the Drua this weekend. The replacement props are seasoned campaigners Peni Ravai and Mesake Doge while Sairusi Ravudi covers for Togiatama.
Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua lock down the second row department while Josefa Tamani will provide cover on the bench.
The loose trio will be Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata. Salawa was the standout player for the Drua last week especially with his tireless effort over the rucks. Canakaivata returns to the starting XV. It will be exciting to see him take on Reds number eight and enforcer, Harry Wilson.
Emerging number eight Isoa Tuwai returns to the bench with Etonia Waqa to cover for the loose forwards.
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is again the first choice half back. Simione Kuruvoli will be his replacement.
There will be three playmakers in the starting XV for the Drua. Kemueli Valetini will be the fly half, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at full-back, and Isikeli Rabitu has been moved to inside centre. After being a regular starter at inside centre this season, Virimi Vakatawa sits on the bench this week.
Rabitu will pair with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre in the centres.
On the wings will be Taniela Rakuro and Manasa Mataele. Having already won the Super Rugby title consecutively in the past with the Crusaders, Mataele has really shown his vast experience and world-class capabilities this season for the Drua.
The game is scheduled to kick-off on Friday at 9:35pm (FT)
