Super bid: Exciting time for Fijian Drua – Hodgson

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Simon Raiwalui oversees the Fijian Drua scrummaging during a training session in Australia. Picture: FIJIAN DRUA

Former Wallaby and Western Force team manager Matt Hodgson believes the Super Rugby competition is heading for an exciting future with the inclusion of the Fijian Drua.

Hodgson said the world would watch with excitement the style of rugby the Fijian pack would execute when they play against the Force in their first trial match this weekend.

“It is an exciting time in Super Rugby and to be playing the Fijian Drua ahead of their inaugural campaign is a great occasion for our group,” Hodgson told the Perth-based West Australian newspaper.

The Force play two pre-season trials, first against the Drua, followed by the Queensland Reds ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific start.

The two sides last met in the semi-finals of the 2019 National Rugby Championship where the Force beat the Drua in Suva by 15-38.

Despite the Swire Shipping-sponsored Fijian Drua being new to the Super Rugby family, Hodgson believes they would test the Force to their limits to prove their position.

“This is the perfect opportunity to see the squad’s hard work put into action against quality opponents.”

Fijian Drua chief executive officer Brian Thorburn said the trials would give coach Mick Byrne a chance to finalise his team.

“It will give coach Mick a great opportunity to see the players in action for the first time in a match,” Thorburn said.

“There will be important preparation before the season proper starts on February 18.”

The trial game will be played at the Ballina Rugby Union Club in New South Wales on Sunday, January 30.

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