This Saturday the Fijian Drua will battle it out with Moana Pasifika for what is dubbed as the battle of the pacific.
The clash is a home game for Moana Pasifika and will take place at North Harbour stadium, a place where Moana Pasifika has established as their home fortress.
Drua head into the match following a win in Fiji against the Waratahs. It is something that coach Glen Jackson will use as motivation for their trip to Auckland.
“Preparing after a win is a new thing so it was pretty good for the win to put out an impressive win. It was hard work out there in the heat so we had to make sure we look after them for this week, because we know Moana are a massive team and have gone well this year”
The clash between the only two Pacific sides in the competition sets out to be an entertaining spectacle, with three of their last five matchups being decided by three points or less.
In their last encounter Drua defeated Moana right at the end with a 36-34 win at Mt Smart Stadium. This Saturday, Jackson is expecting a close result against a stronger and motivated Moana side.
“Defensively we have to be really switched on for the Battle of the Pacific and we know they will be pumped up about it just as much as we are’
“It’s a good battle of the islands. It will be Tonga, Samoa vs Fiji and if you cant get up for that then there is something wrong with you”
“Tana has done an amazing job with that team and they’re playing really well. They’ll be hurting after a couple of losses but they have also picked up some good wins too”
For Moana Pasifika, they have dealt with two straight losses to the Blues and Brumbies, and will be hungry to get back on the winning pedestal.
“We’re expecting a fast and physical game on Saturday. The Drua are coming off a good win and will be confident. So we have to be decisive and have some urgency in the way we play” Moana coach Faalogo Tana Umaga said.
“We’re also set to have our biggest crowd so the fans will be loud and passionate, and we’re hoping to put up a great performance for them”
Drua have stuck with a similar side to last week’s win against the Waratahs. Coach Jackson has trusted young star Isikeli Rabitu’s versatility, switching him in the midfield from his preferred position at wing.
Their bench will also field some strong firepower with the likes of the experienced Tevita Ikanivere and Elia Canakaivata.
Saturday will also see for the first time this year the Savea brothers Julian and Ardie both being named in the team list.
Jackson Garden Bachop retains the starting spot at 10 with Patrick Pellegrini and Sione Havili Talitui forming a strong bench rotation.
