Ter Perth Humiliation?
breath of life to the team and if there is one in the Drua squad, then it has be loosehead prop Haereiti Hetet.
The 26-year-old has been leading from the front with his strong carries, defence and stamping his mark in the scrums. Hetet is the son of former Flying Fijians captain, Joeli Veitayaki, and it’s in his blood.
His playing experience with the All Blacks Maori, Bay of Plenty in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship and the Flying Fijians will bring a totally new outlook to the team. Hetet could be assisted by Iosefo Masi and Leone Rotuisolia.
REVIEW#3: Key positions still not filled
The departure of Joseva Tamani and Kalaveti Ravouvou at the end of the 2023 season, still sees the Drua struggling to fill their positions of blindside flanker and second- five eighth.
Etonia Waqa had settled in well at No.6 but got injured and Byrne’s quick fix to the position is Vilive Miramira, which has been a total failure. Miramira is an openside flanker.
The blindside flanker is a versatile and pivotal player in the forward pack. The No.6 is tasked with defensive and offensive duties. They must be vigilant, robust, ready to steal possession, support the scrum and be a relentless force in the breakdown.
With Waqa still under the injury cloud, the Drua must go for Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta at No.6 since he has played in the position for Tasman Mako in the NPC. The other option is moving Derenalagi back to man his No.6 position after playing at No.8 this season.
For second-five eighth, there is a lack of depth in that position. The only options we have are Apisalome Vota, Michael Naitokani or Kemu Valetini. However, they are not specialist for the position.
The No.12 is a strong and dynamic runner with a good eye for exposing gaps and they tend to attack in very direct lines.
In many games, No.12 will directly take on their opposite number in a head-to-head battle. They will try to break through the defensive line, or draw enough defenders so that space is created elsewhere.
This will lead to try-scoring opportunities for their team-mates. Players playing at No.12 must be strong and powerful who relish contact.
For as of now, Vota is still our man for No.12 or otherwise Byrne might want to try Masi out and move Vota back to his specialist position where he is most lethal.