It is time for the 16th player to make their appearance tonight as the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua face crucial semi-final matchups.
The vocal support of fans is crucial in propelling these teams to victory against tough opponents.
The coaches and players have worked tirelessly to prepare for these key matches.
The players have absorbed the tactics taught by their coaches and are ready to showcase their skills on the field.
It is a moment of immense pride for the teams and the nation they represent.
That moment is here today.
Mosese Rauluni’s Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua team is on the verge of creating history if they beat the Western Force in the Super W women’s semi-final.
And it’s D-day for our men at the HFC Bank Stadium in Round 9 of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific.
At 7.05pm they kick-off against the unbeaten Hurricanes, which lead the points table after seven rounds.
The Kiwis are packed with power, strength, experience, and some Fijians.
Today, starts the race towards the finals. It’s the end of the byes.
It’s do-or-die time.
The weekend starts with the blockbuster in our Capital between our enterprising Fijian Drua against the experienced Kiwis.
Expectedly in overcast condition at the Laucala Bay sporting complex. Both teams are used to this kind of weather – the Hurricanes from cold, snowy and
chilly Wellington, and our mentor Mick Byrne has churned our enterprising Fijian Drua to play under humidity and wet weather.
They did it before.
The Hurricanes are big, strong, fit, packed with big names and good explosive ball carriers.
The Drua players should be immortals tonight to stop The ‘Canes from pouncing on lose balls, gaining the advantage line and claiming quick balls.
Both teams will fight hard to win – Hurricanes on No:1, and the Drua at 7th spot.
Both have named good sides.
The visitors come with big hitters such as former All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara, a veteran of 152 Tests.
His coach, Clark Laidlaw, will not want to gamble against Byrne, who has given birth to the Drua, which has command the most vocal support in Super
Rugby.
The ‘Canes will rely on Tevita Mafileo, James O’Reilly, Asafo Aumua, Isaia Walker-Leawere, and Salesi Rayasi among other hitmen.
They have a strong reserve bench of impacts.
But Byrne has listed his trusted troops. Robust Tevita Ikanivere in the lead, Isoa Nasilasila, Kitione Salawa, Kemu Valetini, Elia Canakaivata, Iosefo Masi and the Tailevu combination in halfback Simione Kuruvoli and young Isikeli Rabi tu at flyhalf.
With referee Paul Williams blowing whistle at 7.05pm start for the men and the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua on path to the final starting at 4.35pm, it is
time for the 16th men to come out and play.
It’s time to give your lung power at its best.
The Fijian crowd – rain or shine – should come out tonight.
Get your umbrellas, coats and hats and in our teams colours to cheer them on.
Your support has helped defeat the champions Crusaders, Rebels, Waratahs and Western Force.
We should do it again tonight. You will decide the winner.
The women, with the return of former captain Bitila Tawake, will play in their first home semi-final.
Let’s cheer them on to score the unthinkable.
Tickets are still available, but let’s cash in on the possibility of our sides making Super Rugby season success this year.
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