Former Wallaby Cameron Shepherd believes the Queensland Reds have “much more to lose” than the Fijian Drua this weekend when the 2 sides go head-to-head in a decisive Tremendous Rugby Pacific conflict.
The Reds have overcome a disappointing run of defeats earlier this season to all however assure their spot within the playoffs this season, with the Queenslanders sitting comfortably in fifth-spot with a profitable file.
Following wins over the Crusaders in Christchurch and the Rebels in Brisbane, the Reds could make it three wins on the trot in Suva on Saturday afternoon however they’ll face a troublesome check in opposition to a Drua outfit who’re a unique aspect on dwelling soil.
Should you have a look at the Drua’s away kind, it isn’t precisely a optimistic. The Fijians are winless from seven fixtures outdoors of the Pacific Island nation, with all 4 of their victories coming at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
The Drua are but to win in Fiji’s capital Suva this season however now can be the proper time to interrupt that dropping run with the eight-placed aspect trying to maintain off the likes of the Western Drive by holding onto their playoff spot.
“Have you ever guys seen a recreation in Fiji this season? I’m not shocked in any respect that they’re completely different,” Cameron Shepherd stated on Stan Sport’s The Name Up.
“That is likely one of the most hostile and nice environments to play in entrance of, so long as they’re in your crew.
“In all seriousness, you’ve bought to take into consideration they’re travelling loads. So much just like the Western Drive, they’re the remotest of the 2 groups, there’s plenty of transport, our bodies getting closely crushed. It’s powerful.
“I believe they’ll flip up this weekend although. I don’t suppose that is going to be a one-way avenue in any respect and the Reds have gotten much more to lose than Fiji do.”
The Drua have made a staggering six modifications to their run-on aspect to tackle the Reds, however that choice feat has been outdone by Queensland coach Les Kiss. Kiss has made 9 modifications to the Reds’ beginning aspect alone.
Fiji worldwide Peni Ravai headlines an all-new entrance row that additionally contains Josh Nasser and Zane Nonggorr, whereas Irishman Cormac Daly and backrower John Bryant are the opposite modifications to the ahead pack.
Floyd Aubrey and Suliasi Vunivalu will begin on a wing every, whereas try-scoring phenomenon Tim Ryan has obtained a well-earned remainder of kinds with the speedster set to supply influence off the pine within the No. 23 jumper.
In addition to the inclusion of former Junior Wallaby Taj Annan within the midfield, the return of Wallaby and Reds co-captain Tate McDermott to the beginning aspect at halfback is clearly the important thing speaking level.
McDermott returned from suspension off the bench in opposition to the Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane final day out however is about to guide the crew from the get-go in Suva after being handed a begin within the No. 9 jersey.
“Huge, huge when it comes to his management,” former All Black Mils Muliaina added. “He’ll be energetic when it comes to coming again but in addition steering the crew round in these sizzling situations.
“His partnership with (Lawson) Creighton and likewise (Hunter) Paisami for me, that is actually essential as a result of they’re those which might be going to steer the blokes across the park.
“McDermott, and his function as a (co) captain, too, that can convey plenty of expertise but in addition his voice will hopefully convey plenty of calming affect as nicely.”
