Let’s keep the faith on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to beat the Hurricanes at McLean Park in Napier tomorrow.

On paper, it’s going to be a difficult task but surely enough it’s not an impossible one.

The Drua did it in Suva during the 2023 Super Rugby competition when the Hurricanes led by their then inspirational captain Ardie Savea, went down 27-24.

Drua head coach Glen Jackson on Tuesday has urged fans not to lose hope on the team as they have what it takes to end their poor away record in Napier. It’s only a matter of time.

Former Flying Fijians head coach Ilivasi Tabua said it right that, ‘on the day, anything can happen.’

Both teams have named their Match 23 squads on Wednesday but comparing them there is definitely an air of confidence on the Drua’s chances.

This is because the Drua has got someone in their coaching ‘think tank’ who knows the in and out of the Hurricanes side.

He is familiar with the set-up of this franchise club and was instrumental in its revival a few years back. He is the current Drua forwards coach Chris Gibbes, who joined them seven months ago.

Fondly known as ‘Gibbo’ he was the Hurricanes senior assistant coach from 2019 to 2023 under head coach John Plumtree. He was Wellington’s head coach in the New Zealand NPC (National Provincial Championship) competition.

Gibbes led Wellington back into the premiership division in 2017 before making the semifinals in his second season in 2018.

He was also the Maori All Blacks head coach that beat Ireland 32-17 in 2008 and was Japan’s forward coach at the 2007 Rugby World Cup under head coach Sir John Kirwan.

The Suva-born coach has opted for Motikiai Murray and Meli Derenalagi to start on the flankers along with Elia Canakaivata at No.8.

They are to attack the breakdown and compete against the Hurricanes trio of Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Brayden Iose.

Derenalagi provides another option in the lineout.

The return of tighthead prop Mesake Doge, hooker Zuriel Togiatama and Isoa Nasilasila at lock adds value to the forwards.

In the backs, Inia Tabuavou faces a big test to contain Peter Umaga-Jensen while Tuidraki Samusamuvodre should be able to provide space for wingers Taniela Rakuro and Junior Ratuva to strut their stuff.

Captain Frank Lomani should bank on senior players like Doge to provide him the much-needed words of wisdom when it comes to the critical moments of the game.

The coming in of super subs Iosefo Masi, Kitione Salawa, Caleb Muntz and Leone Rotuisolia should bolster the Drua to lift their game right to the final whistle.

There’s no turning back from here for the Drua.

It’s now or never and the Drua needs the win since the top six teams (at the end of the competition) make it to the play-offs.

A win is there for the taking so let’s back our boys right to the final whistle.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj