Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne is under no illusion about the challenges that lie ahead for his team as they prepare to take their game on the road.
Following a 31-13 win over the Western Force in a drenched Churchill Park last weekend, Byrne emphasizes the need for his squad to replicate their home form in away fixtures in order to get crucial wins.
With Fiji establishing itself as a formidable fortress, Byrne acknowledges that the real test for the team would be to translate their dominance into away wins.
“If we want to grow as a team and take this team to where we believe it can go, it needs to start, you know, it needs to start winning away. And, you know, Friday night is another opportunity for us to go away and put a performance on the board.”
Byrne highlights the importance of securing consecutive away victories will give them a chance of securing a home quarterfinal.
He also reveals that hooker and Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere has also been cleared to play this weekend following a red card that was upgraded from a yellow.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne says that there’s no urgency to rush fly-half Caleb Muntz back into action, recognising that he has a promising and enduring career ahead of him in the sport.
Muntz is currently undergoing rehabilitation following a knee injury that side-lined him from participating in the World Cup last year.
Byrne said that the young talent from Savusavu has a promising future ahead, and it’s crucial to focus on ensuring his proper healing.
‘We know it’s a long term injury and we’ll be lucky if we see him again for the Drua this year. His nine months is up right when the season finishes but he is training really really well and if he does happen to come he might have one or two games.’
He said that their depth in the fly-half position is solid with the addition of emerging talents Isaiah-Armstrong Ravula and Isikeli Rabitu.
He notes that this was previously an area of concern but has now been adequately addressed.
The Drua will take on Melbourne Rebels at AAMI (Amy) Park at 8.35 pm on Friday.
