Drua v Chiefs

[Bovidae]

[Bovidae]

A 6:2 split, and Malachi Wrampling to finally debut.

[ARHS]

Great to see all our players involved in first 4 matches. Key men resting before Blues rematch also.

[Duluth]

Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu

Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu, Taniela Rakuro

[ploughboy]

get the feeling McMillan is looking for big loose forwards

[Canes4life]

Ravutaumada is a big inclusion for the Drua but I see it's crap weather on Saturday so the wingers might not see much ball.

[Yeetyaah]

Be lying if I said I'm not a little bit anxious about this one. 3.35pm Fiji time, supposed to be 32 degrees and raining. Last time we went to Fiji they scored 3 tries in 10 mins and almost beat us. In saying that, we seem to finish pretty well and the Drua have never been good finishers but I dunno anything can happen.

[Mr Fish]

Yeah I would not be massively surprised if the Drua get up for this one.

[Bovidae]

If the conditions aren't great, play it tight and use the maul. The Drua can't defend them.

[ARHS]

Would think that the forecast conditions might favour the chiefs. Stack the bench with big forwards and rumble it up.

[booboo]

Who is back up 10?

[Tim]

@booboo Stevenson?

[Bovidae]

I see that Oscar Koller is amongst the extra four players to provide injury cover at 10. It's strange that three of the players shown are only WTG players, not full squad members.

[ARHS]

Funny enough I was thinking about the injury cover issues last night. Would Roe be backup 10? Finau could play fullback if 3 backs injured. Ratima has played wing.

[gt12]

@Tim said in Drua v Chiefs:

@booboo Stevenson?

Or Rona? He was a first five at schoolboy level and has a plenty of experience at inside center.

[Bovidae]

Stevenson as 10/15.

Rona will provide midfield cover, and Narawa could be used on the wing. With a 6:2 bench using Carter as the backup halfback would have made sense. But there isn't another 1st 5 available with injuries to DMac, Trask and Poihipi.

[ARHS]

Seems a bit weird to have 3 halfback options then. Bit of a problem if 2 injured backs. Ratima to wing I guess. Think Gideon Wrampling should be on bench or Oscar Koller. Bit short on kicker options behind Jacomb also. Stevenson presumably.

[Bovidae]

@ARHS said in Drua v Chiefs:

Seems a bit weird to have 3 halfback options then.

I think you could get away with using Carter as the backup halfback if he was on the bench. A little more complicated as a starter if an early injury occurs.

Gideon Wrampling is unlucky to not be involved. Ironically, his little brother might have taken his spot in the 23. Speaking of Malachi, he did play on the wing as a reserve for Waikato against Auckland in 2023 when Filipo went for a 7:1 bench.