The Greater Sydney Rams host the Fijian Drua in Round 6 of the NRC. The game will be covered on The Roar with live score updates from 3pm (AEDT) and a game preview of the crucial match.
With only four rounds to go in this year’s instalment of the NRC, the Pasifika round could be a turning point for all teams still in finals contention. The Drua is one of four teams tied on top of the ladder, with the Rams sitting at fifth.
The Rams have flown under the radar over recent weeks, they had a bye last week, and have not won a game since Round 2 of the competition. In his article on the NRC, Brett McKay notes that the Rams don’t boast as strong of a squad as other teams, but they do have the ability to create opportunities and play exciting rugby.
Hugh Roach has had a solid season with the Rams. He is second in the competition for turnovers won, and will anchor the forward pack against the physicality of the Drua. Not only a defensive stalwart, Roach can play with the ball in hand too, he also has a handy knack for finding the try line.
Last weekend the men from Fiji slumped to the biggest defeat in their short history, going down to the Canberra Vikings 66-5. Perhaps they are allergic to the Australian air? They’ve only recorded a win against the lowly Melbourne Rising while playing away from home.
This weekend it will be up to Drua skipper John Stewart to lead his men to victory away from home. Stewart’s versatility in the backline has greatly helped the Drua’s consistency in attack. In the tough game last week, he made 70 metres from 14 carries and worked hard to inspire his team.
Prediction
It’s pretty dangerous to pick any winners in the NRC these days, especially when the Drua are playing. Both teams have shown glimpses of their best and, at their best, they are both good enough to win the competition. This weekend, I’ll pick the Drua to put on an attacking clinic seriously damage the Rams final hopes.
Drua to win: 40-18
DruaFan
Guest
Well done lads. Our shape in the forwards continues to improve, which once was our archilies heel. Two games at home in the Lautoka heat. Should be interesting for the NRC. But what a blessing to have the cream of our local ruggers exposed to the best in oz. Thanks Australian Rugby for sharing your wealth. Clubs around the world will be out with their offers soon, something needs to be worked out in the interest of the players, Fiji Rugby and the parties investing in this comp.
DaniE
Roar Guru
No kava for me, hanging out at the car which has a flat battery! Boo ?
DaniE
Roar Guru
Your comment about Veikatano is spot on. Amazing to think that he wasn’t the preferred 10 for the Drua, Fiji are so lucky to have that depth in that position
ThugbyFan
Guest
No probs DaniE, likely the Kava will kick in soon, I reckon. LoL
ThugbyFan
Guest
Wow, what a game! 8 tries to 5 for the Fijian Drua against the shorn rams and 57-31 score suggests it was a flogging but it was 31 all at the 55 minute mark. After that a couple of injuries, couple of intercepts, some fabulous offloads and the reserve Fijians who were even larger and the Fijian Drua ran over the Rams, game over Red Rover! And even though its the backs who get most of the glory, they are strutting their stuff on the work of a really strong forward pack who harass and contest for everything. As well as some big forward rushes they constantly either stole ball or kept the Rams on the backfoot. If you intend to beat the Drua, you have to nullify their pack first and ensure your backs keep their shape in defence. Canberra showed how to do it last week. I reckon the MotM was Alvereti Veitakano, the 5/8 for the Drua, who laid on a heap of tries and put in some nice field kicks.
Israel
Guest
Well played Drua, great team performance to bounce back after last week, build on this and we'll done to the coaching staff. Use the break well to rest!
DaniE
Roar Guru
Well I’ve been here at TG Milner since 10am enjoying what Pacific rugby has to offer. Fijian Drua didn’t disappoint with a 57-31 effort against the GWS Rams, attaining the Horan-Little Shield in the process!
DaniE
Roar Guru
57-31 to be Drua with a minute to go. Fijian acrobatics on display prevents a Rams lineout off a Rams penalty kick attempt.
ThugbyFan
Guest
The Fijian Drua kicker is on fire, another conversion from near the sideline. Good promotion by the Eastwood club (basically owners of the Rams) to allow anyone with a Fijian passport to get free entry to TG Millner field for this game. Almost worth forging a passport. :)
DaniE
Roar Guru
I don’t know who’s scoring anymore. I think it’s Taliga, the 23, who scores on the left! Delightful conversion too.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Shocker non-tackle by the Rams winger there to Eroni Sau run past him to score. The big fast backs of the Fijian Drua now running rampart over the Rams boys. Going to be some sore Ram bodies tomorrow. And its now another 50 point game.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Then almost immediately the Rams move down their right touch, but then the Drua snaffle then ball and their number 23 sub races down their left touch. Lomani scores under the post! 50-31
DaniE
Roar Guru
Off a ruck the Drua halfback sees numbers to the right but it doesn’t need to go as far as the wing for Sau to score the try!
ThugbyFan
Guest
60mins: The Fijian #10, Alvereti Veitakano, sets up a beautiful try with a lovely flick pass with Captain Stewart bursting through the gap. Would love that #10 to play in a Super Rugby team, maybe Rebels.
DaniE
Roar Guru
When John Stewart runs straight, angels sing. Waqatabu finishes the move with a try which he converts.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Gee, the Rams are putting it up the Fijian Drua, I think everyone thought this could be a slaughter. Despite the wild hair, the OC for Rams, Dennis Pili-Gaitau, is playing a pretty good game. Gets a try and its 31 all.
DaniE
Roar Guru
And it’s now 31-all after Pili-Gaitau gets over the line!
ThugbyFan
Guest
53mins: Nice try to the Fijian Drua; again made by the #10 (I think) Alvereti Veitakano landing on his back as he is tackled and passing the ball off the ground to that run-away truck called a winger.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Drua comes back with a try from a quick lineout near the half line. Straight running with support on the shoulder and Daveta goes over for his second. With the successful conversion, 31-26 Drua.
ThugbyFan
Guest
Easy to differentiate between Hooper and Roach. Roach is one winning the ball at breakdowns. :)