Reds Ready to Tackle Fiji’s Drua in Lautoka, Despite Key Absences
The Queensland Reds are heading to Lautoka this Saturday with a steely resolve to overcome the formidable Fijian Drua and extend their impressive winning streak. Coach Les Kiss remains confident that his in-form squad possesses the necessary depth and strategic nous to conquer the Fijian challenge, even without two of their star players who have been rested.
This upcoming Super Rugby Pacific clash marks a significant opportunity for the Reds. A victory would see them achieve their first four-consecutive wins since the 2022 season, a testament to their resurgence this year. However, they face a Drua side that has hit a purple patch of form, having recently dispatched both the Hurricanes and the Brumbies. The Fijian outfit is also on a quest for their own piece of history, aiming for a third straight win – a feat they haven’t accomplished since their debut year in the competition.
The strategic resting of key players is a common theme in modern rugby, with Rugby Australia and World Rugby implementing protocols to manage the workloads of Test-calibre athletes. Following a similar approach to the Brumbies’ recent management decisions, Kiss has opted to give some of his regulars a break. Notably absent from the travelling party will be captain and standout openside flanker Fraser McReight, along with the influential flyhalf Carter Gordon.
Adding to the Reds’ personnel considerations, Josh Flook, who recently announced his upcoming move to Italy’s Benneton for next season, is sidelined with injury. Test prop Zane Nonggorr has also been rested.
Despite these significant omissions, the Reds are bolstered by the return of Hunter Paisami from injury, who is set to partner Isaac Henry in the midfield. In a significant positional shift for the season, Kalani Thomas will make his first start at scrumhalf, ahead of Louis Werchon.
While Carter Gordon has been instrumental in securing victories in the Reds’ last two outings with crucial match-sealing plays, the responsibility for orchestrating the attack in Lautoka will fall to his understudy, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. He will be supported by Ben Volavola, a Fijian product himself, who is poised for a likely Reds debut from the bench.
The prospect of playing in Fiji holds particular significance for several members of the Reds squad. Utility back Filipo Daugunu, a familiar face in Fijian rugby, has reportedly requested 100 tickets to accommodate his extensive family network. Similarly, fellow Fijian-raised forward Seru Uru is expected to relish the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd.
“We’re going hard for the game, going strong,” Kiss stated, explaining the rationale behind what he termed “regeneration weeks” for his absent stars. He elaborated on the team’s strategic evolution, noting, “A few little changes, but nothing significant. We’ve blended our game… (there’s) a smarter mix in terms of kicking and possession but we haven’t lost that verve and ambition to play a style of football that can stretch oppositions.”
The historical record between the Reds and the Drua is evenly poised. Last year, the Reds secured a dominant 52-7 victory over the Drua to conclude the regular season, levelling their overall head-to-head record at three wins apiece. However, it’s crucial to note that all three of the Drua’s victories have been achieved on home soil in Fiji, including a nail-biting 36-33 triumph during the Reds’ most recent visit.
Kiss acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “They’ve been impressive… once they’re in good form the crowd gets behind them. We’ve got enough experience there to handle it, but it’ll be a challenge.”
Leading the Queensland Reds in the absence of McReight will be Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, who is set to don the captain’s armband for this crucial encounter. The Reds will be looking to draw upon their collective experience and newfound tactical flexibility to navigate the passionate atmosphere of Churchill Park and emerge victorious.
