compelled to adhere to rules, notwithstanding Fijian flair
Stan Sport will broadcast all of the Super Rugby Pacific games live. Get a complimentary sports trial now! When they play Fijian Drua on Sunday at Churchill Park in Fiji, they’ll face another tough test.
After defeating the Crusaders 20-10 in round three, the Drua are undefeated at home this season. Last week, they defeated the NSW Waratahs with a thrilling golden-point victory. Rugby is great to watch because of Drua’s lively style, but Cron doesn’t want his players to overdo it.
“The error lies in attempting to perform like a Fijian squad,” Cron stated on Friday while in Fiji.”They play a different type of rugby than us, but they’re a tremendous offload team. The error lies in attempting to emulate their style of play. “For us, it’s about sticking to our structures and processes and how we want to play, and controlling the game that way.”
This week, supporters in Fiji have been stopping players for pictures on a daily basis; this is not the same as what they get in Perth, where the AFL is the dominant sport.SEE VIDEO
Bayley Kuenzle Try from Super Rugby Pacific 2024’s fifth round “I’d say a lot of them get recognised here (in Fiji), and people stop them on the street quite a lot, or in the cafe or the hotel for photos,” said Cron. “There’s a massive rugby following over here.”Perth has a rugby community, albeit it’s presumably more dispersed over the state.
Here, though, it’s just one region. Everybody on the street is a rugby fan; everyone is into rugby. It’s more streamlined.” Cron wants his team to take in the festive spirit that the Sunday audience will represent.”I don’t find it intimidating. “I believe you should accept it,” he remarked.
“You want to play for this fantastic crowd. They’re wonderful folks who are enthusiastic and passionate.”Additionally, we should draw energy from their excitement for the game.”Captain Jeremy Williams (calf) and back-row player Will Harris (concussion) will miss action for the Force.
However, Sam Carter, a former Wallabies lock, will start for the Force off the bench after joining the Perth team earlier in the week. “With Jeremy Williams and Will Harris both having issues, it was actually a bit faster than we thought that Carter had to be used,” Cron stated. “He is an excellent set piece operator, experienced, and composed.