Drua coach Mick Byrne’s analysis of the Fijian Drua having to play fast rugby this weekend and every weekend is a great suggestion.
With the young age of the Drua players, speed is plentiful.
However, this speed in a team game, comes at a cost.
The 23 chosen and the first 15 on the day, have to be on the same page.
And when only one player is slow, this has a rippling effect on most facets of the game.
Case in point, the actual slowness of a crucial player in a rugby team, the number 9, the halfback.
Last week’s game against the Auckland Blues, again showcased Frank Lomani’s lackadaisical game in the position.
The Drua cannot afford to have an inconsistent player in that critical position, week in and out.
We continue to see at every second game the blocking of Lomani’s kicks from the base of the scrum, and last week resulted in a try, just like others in super rugby and national games last and past years!
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua halfback Frank Lomani (with ball) is being tackled by Manasa Mataele of Western Force at HBF Park on Perth, Australia, on May 12, 2023. Photo: Fijian Drua
With the Drua forwards putting in the hard yards upfront, the flying backline ready to explode and Frank decides to delay the ball from the ruck/scrum or kick it senselessly away.
It will be a hard decision to make and with another three great halfbacks in the Fijian Drua lineup, this might be the right time to release Frank Lomani from the team.
Apparently, the “fast rugby” in Mick Byrne’s coaching philosophy for the Fijian Drua is not Lomani’s forte. His use by date has peaked.
The rest of the Drua will have to lift their game to cover for Frank’s sluggish, dawdling rugby.
When Frank is playing, it’s like the Drua are playing against 16 men.
For the 14 Drua run-on team on Saturday, you will have to play like your #9 player is yellow carded for the full 80 minutes of the game.
You got this! Soko Drua, soko!
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