Drua course – Mataiciwa wants to beat Chiefs at home

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Fijian Drua players Jona Mataiciwa (left), Tevita Ikanivere and Viliame Rarasea at the Fiji Times Lautoka office. Picture: REINAL CHAND

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is aiming to end the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season on a high note with a win against the Chiefs in Lautoka on Saturday.

This will create a positive mindset for next year’s competition in the Super Rugby Pacific fixtures.

The Fijian Drua team has won two out of their 13 matches and victory against the Chiefs in front of their home fans will do justice in their debut season.

Fijian Drua backline utility Jona Mataiciwa said they were excited to play in the country for the second time. He said the preparations had been going well at training this week.

“This is our last game of the competition and the boys will give all what they have on Saturday,” the 23-year-old said.

“Hopefully, we can come up with a win especially against the Chiefs. It will be a very good game.

“This is an important game for us and we want to finish off the season with a win which will set that positive mindset for the preseason and next year’s competition.”

Mataiciwa is familiar with the Chiefs’ style of playing being roped into the Fijian Drua from the Chiefs under-20 squad.

He thanked Fijian fans for supporting the team throughout the season.

“Hopefully we can get big support this Saturday to cheer the boys on. They bring a lot of energy into our game and the fans are part of us.

The boys will play hard for you so make sure you come down in numbers” Mataiciwa has played five matches for the Fijian Drua. The match will start at 3pm.

Meanwhile, tickets are sold at the Lautoka City Council office, Jack’s of Fiji and ShopNSave outlets on Viti Levu with the gold tickets for the other pavilions priced at $95 and $30 for the bronze tickets.

Patrons intending to watch the match from the grass embankment, including $20 for fans watching from the back of TappooCity on the north-western end of the park and children under-12 will have to pay $15 and $10 respectively for the grass embankments.

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