Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson is confident that the debutants would bring more impact in today’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the ACT Brumbies.

“Preparation has been good, and the boys are pretty fired up for the game,” Jackson said.

“We’re up against a very good Brumbies team so the boys are in no illusion that it will be a tough game. We’re excited for it,” he said.

“We know the Drua loves the rain and the heat so whatever comes.

“The players are excited to get out as it’s been a long pre-season.

“We’ve train at all conditions as we know the last 16 weeks had been up and down in terms of the weather.”

Jackson said rising forward Isoa Tuwai is a testament to their development programme.

“There’s a system though our development for young men to be able put on the Drua jersey so it’s extremely exciting for him and he will look forward to his opportunity when he gets on the field,” he said.

“We got a couple of great wingers that have done well enough in pre-season to get the nod.”

Jackson said the Brumbies are a solid team coached by a Wallaby great like Stephen Larkham.

“They bring over a pretty youthful team that will be given an opportunity in Suva and we’re excited for our home fans to put tune out and put a fair bit of pressure on these young guys,” he said.

“We have to make sure we’re on so it’s going to be a good 20 minutes.”

Jackson said they hope to maintain their winning record against Australian Super Rugby teams on home soil.

“We can play well and hopefully come up with the win. I hope the crowd turn up and enjoy what we do,” he said.

“Vuate Karawalevu obviously got some Australian experience playing over there and Ponipate Loganimasi has been unbelievable with from the sevens.

“He has played test matches before Super Rugby and that doesn’t happen very often.”

The match kicks-off at 3.35pm.

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