NRC Rnd 6: Drua v Vikings.

[RugbyReg]

Tada.

 

[RugbyReg]

FIJI DRUA:

1. Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto, 3. Alifereti Rabukawaga, 4. Peni Naulago, 5. Albert Tuisue, 6. Mosese Voka (c), 7. Jone Navori, 8. Eremasi Radradro, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Alivereti Veitokani, 11. Aporosa Tabulawaki, 12. Cyril Reece, 13. Avete Daveta, 14. Levani Kurumudu, 15. Apisalome Waqatubu

Replacements: 16. Veremalua Vugakoto, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Luke Tagi, 19. Tevita Naqali, 20. Johnny Dyer, 21. Serupepeli Vularika, 22. Enele Malele, 23. Peni Raidre


CANBERRA VIKINGS:

1.Vunipola Fifita, 2. Josh Mann-Rea, 3. Tom Ross, 4. BJ Edwards, 5. Darcy Swain, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Brodie Leber, 8. Ben Hyne (c), 9. Joe Powell, 10. Wharenui Hawera, 11. Chance Peni, 12. Jordan Jackson-Hope, 13. Len Ikitau , 14. Lausii Taliauli, 15. Andy Muirhead

Replacements: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. George Francis, 18. Max Bode, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Mitch Tye, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Irae Simone, 23. Mac Hansen

 

[Slim 293]

Valetini back for Vikings....... hopefully that knee is alright.

Interesting that McInerney and Enever will both be coming off the bench.

 

[Happy]

We're going to miss Swain. He was huge last week.

 

[Slim 293]

We're going to miss Swain. He was huge last week.

He's starting.

 

[Happy]

He's starting.

So he is. I read the team list in two different places and missed his name both times. I blame old age.

 

[Slim 293]

So he is. I read the team list in two different places and missed his name both times. I blame old age.

For me, it’s usually alcohol.........

 

[Brumby Runner]

The Vikings front row has been having quite a few problems in recent weeks, particularly early in the games. The loss of Makin has been huge. Any news about his return? or is he out for the year?

Tom Ross will probably find the Drua scrum a little less of a problem and with Mann-Rea beside him, the Vikings scrum just might get on top from the start. The main issue will be to stop the ball runner from the Drua making metres in contact and then getting the off load to supports. Without a real pilferer in the side, it seems to me that the Vikings have been trying to hold the ball runner up to force a maul and turnover, rather than go to ground. If they can do that successfully against the Drua runners, it just might be the tactic that could stop the marauding by the Fijians.

On form, should be a good game but a rather comfortable win for the Drua.

 

[Brumby Runner]

33 - 14 to the Drua at half time. Drua appear to be able to score or at least make many metres every time they get the ball. I said elsewhere that the teams in the NRC don't put a premium on defence, and so it is in this game. Many of the Vikings must think tackling is optional.

EDIT : a change I'd like to see after the break is Muirhead (who is having a shocker at fullback) moved to the wing to replace Chance Peni who must have the worst hands in pro or semi-pro rugby, and Mack Hansen come into the 15 spot.

 

[Merrow]

Psychic

 

[Brumby Runner]

Take my hat off to you Reg. Drua win by 5 when you tipped them by 4. Didn't think there was any way it would be close with that half time score. Final score 40 - 35.

 

[Happy]

Had our chances to win but just couldn’t get it done. Congrats to the Drua.

 

[Slim 293]

JJH has to be the frontrunner for the Brumbies 12 jersey on this form.............

Peni however, seems to be struggling at this level.

 

[Brumbieman]

How did Valetini go?

 

[Brumby Runner]

A strong game without being outstanding. Seemed to get through without injury.