Zac Lomax’s Super Rugby Pacific Debut: A Test of Strength and Resilience
Zac Lomax is set to make his debut in the Super Rugby Pacific this weekend, but not just anywhere — at the Fijian Drua’s home ground in Lautoka. This is considered one of the most challenging venues for any visiting team, with a combination of passionate fans, extreme weather conditions, and cultural traditions that create an intimidating atmosphere.
The Fijian Drua has built a reputation as one of the toughest teams to face on their home turf, with a formidable record since 2022. For Lomax and his Western Force teammates, this match will be a true test of their skills and endurance.
The Fijian Fans: A Sea of Passion
Everywhere you go in Fiji, the presence of the Drua is unmistakable. From the villages to the stadiums, Drua flags are everywhere, and on game day, the energy is electric. Churchill Park in Lautoka is particularly special, located right on the main street, where fans gather early, wearing Drua gear and creating an atmosphere that is both loud and intense.
Commentator Sam Wykes, a former Force lock and leading voice in Pasifika sport, describes the noise as almost overwhelming. “We’ve had days when the crowd was so loud, our audio team had to lower the microphone input to a 1 out of 10 and it was still too loud,” he says.
Greg Clark, who has commentated over 200 Test matches, adds that the Drua fans are known as the world’s best. “They’re like the 16th man on the field,” he says. “You never know what might happen.”
Andrew Kellaway, a veteran of Super Rugby, notes that the fans are unique in their intensity. “They’re loud no matter what. A tiny glimpse of brilliance and they go off, which can really impact the momentum of the game,” he explains.
The Conditions: Heat, Humidity, and More
Playing in Lautoka means dealing with extreme heat and humidity. During the Queensland Reds’ visit earlier this year, temperatures soared above 30°C with humidity levels around 90%. Mid-game rain could lead to flooded fields, making the grass heavy and difficult to play on.
Kellaway compares the experience to “playing touch rugby in a sauna while 15 world-class athletes try to take your head off.” He also mentions that players can lose between 3–6 kg during a match due to the physical toll of the conditions.
Wykes recalls how visiting teams often reacted to the heat upon arrival. “The first thing they’d ask me was ‘how hot is it?’” he says. “If they asked that, I knew they were in for a long afternoon.”
The Na Bole: A Cultural Challenge
Before every home game, the Drua performs the Na Bole, a cultural challenge that sets the tone for the match. It translates to a message of determination and strength: “We will fight to the death. We will destroy your defenses. We are relentless, honest and disciplined. Go the Drua.”
Kellaway, who has faced the All Blacks’ haka, describes the Na Bole as equally intense. “Seeing a Fijian man built like a bus holding a spear and shouting at you is particularly intimidating.”
Wykes believes the Na Bole lifts the energy of the team significantly. “Look at a guy like Frank Lomani, look at his eyes when he delivers it. There is just so much feeling in the Bole.”
The Nation Is Watching
In Fiji, rugby is more than just a sport — it’s a national passion. When the Fijian sevens team plays, the entire nation stops to watch. This same level of fanaticism extends to the Drua.
Wykes notes that the kickoff time is even scheduled to align with local bus timetables, ensuring that fans from all over the islands can attend. “Everyone is watching across all the villages, across all the islands of Fiji,” he says.
Clark, who has covered the sevens circuit, understands the significance of the Drua to the Fijian people. “They know their rugby and appreciate everything that’s good about the game, especially when sides like the Drua and the Flying Fijians turn on their trademark flair.”
The Numbers: A Home Advantage
According to Stan Sport stats guru Kate Lorimer, the Drua have a 66% win rate at home. More importantly, the toll of the trip can affect teams in the following round. Neither the Brumbies, Waratahs nor Force have ever won the next game after playing in Lautoka.
Clark believes that Lomax will need to be prepared for the challenges ahead. “The Drua will want to let him know they’re on his patch and reputation doesn’t mean anything in Fiji. The fans love their sport and will know all about the convert and his talent.”
Wykes adds, “I know Zac played Origin, but this is a whole new level. He’s gonna need to wear sunscreen on the bench and when he gets out there it’s gonna be rough. You just don’t know what you’re gonna get.”
Catch Lomax and the Force vs Drua, live and exclusive on Stan Sport from 2pm AEST on Saturday.
