We must remain fervent: Byrne
The team, according to coach Mick Byrne, was flawless in the first half of their matchup against the Waratahs last week, leading 26-10 at the break. However, in the second half, they were completely flat, which gave the Australians a chance to rally and tie the score at 36 all at the end of regulation time.
Luckily for the Drua, substitute center Kemu Valetini came up and scored a drop goal in golden point to give them their second victory of the year.
According to Byrne, the group must stay focused from the first whistle.
“If you watch the game, every play was made in our defensive half. Our discipline let us down when the Waratahs bench came on and they were able to run hard at us, scoring three tries. They returned for a penalty just as we were starting the ball or making defensive tackles. It was actually that discipline that proved to be difficult for us.
Byrne says there is still work to be done in trying to maintain their match energy, but he gives respect to the replacement players for entering the game and picking up the pace.
On Saturday at 1:05 pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka, the Drua will play a doubleheader against the Western Force and the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women.
The FBC Sports HD Channel will broadcast live coverage of the Fijian Drua and Fijian Drua Women’s matches.