Roar Guru
With both the Fijian Drua and Queensland Country having sured up their semi-final spots, this game is more about who can build on their relative momentum heading into the pointy end of the season.
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The Drua have been the shot in the arm the NRC needed. All of their home games have been well attended, and the Pasifika Round at TG Milner last start was a wonderful afternoon for all involved.
That’s before you get to their on-field form.
Brad Thorn and Queensland Country should be nervous travelling to Suva. Not even a full season into their entry into the competition, the tropical state has become a graveyard for travelling teams – most notably with their drubbing of last years champions, the Perth Spirit, a month ago.
John Stewart, the Drua captain, has been one of the players of the tournament, and his battle with Chris Feuaui-Sautia will be a belter.
For table-toppers Queensland Country, Hamish Stewart shifts to inside centre, while Teti Tela slots in at five-eighth. Filipo Daugunu will be buoyed by the announcement of his signing with the Reds for season 2018, and should continue his stellar form in a game of expansive, running rugby.
James Slipper continues his comeback from injury off the bench for the Queensland side, in another boost for Thorn’s men.
Fiji are the most dynamic attacking side in the competition, and will look to continue that expansive style in front of their home fans. Country have been outstanding in recent weeks, and this will be a real test of their mettle.
Prediction
The Drua are a different beast at home, and will really turn it on.
Fiji by 16.