The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is set to face off against the Chiefs today at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, marking a pivotal moment for the squad as they gear up for the Super Rugby Pacific competition. For Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, a utility backline player, this friendly match serves as an important opportunity for the team to test new combinations and strategies ahead of the upcoming season.
“This is something new for us, playing for the first time against one of the New Zealand teams in a warm-up game,” Samusamuvodre commented. He remains hopeful about the outing, viewing it as a solid foundation upon which to build. The Drua are focused on integrating new players and innovative plays developed throughout their preseason training.
Currently, the team is training diligently at Blake Park and is based at the Ngamuwahine Lodge, situated just outside Tauranga. This preseason trial match is crucial for assessing the efficacy of their training efforts, especially given the diverse makeup of their roster.
Samusamuvodre highlighted the significant contributions of seasoned players like Manasa Saulo and Virimi Vakatawa to the team’s preparations. As the Fijian Drua prepares to take on the Chiefs at 2 PM today, both players and coaching staff are eager to see how their hard work translates into on-field performance.
This trial match promises a hopeful outlook for the team’s potential as they work to strengthen their lineup and fine-tune their gameplay ahead of the highly competitive season. The anticipation surrounding this encounter reflects the growth and determination of the Fijian Drua, setting the stage for what could be an exciting year ahead in Super Rugby Pacific.