FIJI Airways Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula has urged the public to turn out in numbers to support the side in the historic first home National Rugby Championship semi-final against Canberra Vikings at Churchill Park in Lautoka this afternoon.
Fiji Drua’s home games have recorded average crowd with it being shown live on free to air television. Seruvakula said they faced a stiff challenge against the Vikings.
“Playing at home in front of our family is massive,” he said.
“This first ever home semi-final is really big for us and to know that there is a big crowd to support us will really lift the morale of the boys.”
The Vikings have laid down their intentions for revenge from the defeat they suffered two weeks ago in Lautoka, naming four Wallabies in Pete Samu, Rory Arnold, Tom Banks and Joe Powell in their team for the clash. Seruvakula has made just one change to the starting team that courageously defeated the Western Force last week, bringing back NRC top scorer Apisalome Waqatabu at fullback.
Peni Matawalu returns to the team replacing Serupepeli Vularika who sustained a hamstring injury in Perth.
“A massive headache for the opposition all year has been our ability to interchange our line-up and keep them guessing,” Seruvakula said.
“The boys have been competing all week, showing me how much they want this and our preparations have been really focused. They are ready to play.”
The Drua have suffered just one loss for the regular season but previous victories account for nothing this weekend as they look to take their campaign one step further in 2018 and qualify for the grand final. Tickets: $10 grandstand, $5 embankment and children under-12 go in free.
The match kicks off at 4pm.
Fiji Drua: Joeli Veitayaki, Mesulame Dolokoto, Ratu Peni Makutu, Peni Naulago, Albert Tuisue, Mosese Voka, Jone Navori, Eremasi Radrodro, Frank Lomani, Alivereti Veitokani, Aporosa Tabulawaki, Cyril Reece, Apisalome Vota, Levani Kurumudu, Apisalome Waqatabu.
Reserves: Ratunaisa Navuma, Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Tevita Naqali, Johnny Dyer, Peni Matawalu, Enele Malele, Lepani Raiyala.
