“We have completed our seven-week block. The focus now is on the strengthening conditions. We want to make sure we are on the same level as the Waratahs.”
She’s back…
Rooster Chicken Fijian
Drua women’s star winger Vitalina Naikore is in the squad. Photo: Fijian Drua
Three important lessons were learnt from the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua’s 50-14 loss to Waratahs in last year’s Super W grand-final.
This match highlighted three crucial areas for improvement: fitness, discipline, and consistency.
This was the gist of Drua head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa’s message during an interview with SUNsports yesterday.
“Last year the Waratahs superior fitness gave them the edge over us,” he said.
“We had to lift our players’ fitness level and at the same time worked on their rugby skills.”
The former Flying Fijian star lock said the start of the new Super W season is not far off.
“We have completed our seven-week block. The focus now is on the strengthening conditions. We want to make sure we are on the same level as the Waratahs.”
Rawaqa said as head coach, he wants to instill consistency and discipline (on and off the field) to the players.
“We want consistency and discipline to be part of our team culture.
“That goes with resilience and mental toughness to match the players skill set. We believe that lack of mental toughness leads to indiscipline. That is where we need to improve.”
The Drua women’s side won the Super W title in 2022 and 2023 but finished runners-up last year.
The Drua women’s side faces the Waratahs on February 28 at the Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia.
They take on the Reds on March 8, at Churchill Park, Lautoka. On March 15, they will face the Brumbies at same venue.
On March 23, they will travel to HBF Park in Perth to play against Western Force.
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
