21 Oct 2017

Sport: Queensland Country look to stifle Drua's Fijian flair

10:55 am on 21 October 2017

Despite boasting their own set of Fijian flyers, Queensland Country have no interest in taking on the Fijian Drua at their style of rugby when the two meet in this afternoon's NRC clash in Lautoka.

Despite boasting their own set of Fijian flyers, Queensland Country have no interest in taking on the Fijian Drua at their own game, in this afternoon's crunch Australian National Rugby Championship clash in Lautoka.

The Queenslanders have climbed to second on the competition ladder, four points clear of the Drua, off the back of five straight wins.

Last week they thrashed Greater Sydney Rams 57-31, the exact scoreline the Fijians had beaten them by a week earlier.

The Drua find space against the Greater Sydney Rams.

The Drua find space against the Greater Sydney Rams. Photo: Australian Rugby

Prop Sef Fa'agase said they have worked hard on their defence during the week and have a plan in mind to counter the Drua's attacking threats.

"We really expect them to just be throwing the ball around with that Fijian flair," Fa'agase said.

"What we're looking to do is trying to take it back to the set piece, try and slow the game right down and minimise our mistakes, try and capitalise on their set-piece and what-not.

"That's where we really want to take the game to".

Sef Fa'agase takes the ball into contact.

Sef Fa'agase takes the ball into contact. Photo: QRU Media/Australian Rugby

Four Fijians are among the Queensland Country line-up, including the competition's top tryscorer, former Fiji sevens rep Filipo Daugunu and Eto Nabuli, who made his test debut for the Wallabies earlier this year.

Fa'agase, who played for the Reds in the first Super Rugby match in Samoa earlier this year, said the team is looking forward to playing in Fiji.

"Especially with the announcement of Filipo signing with the Reds for next year, it's a big occasion for everyone to celebrate.

"I think it's one of those real success stories, having come over to Australia just this year and only taking up rugby a few years ago - coming from a soccer background - and the top tryscorer in only just four games is a pretty marvellous and outstanding effort from him, and something that I think we can all be proud of," he said.

Fa'agase said it's good to see the NRC is giving back to the Pacific Islands.

"With about 50 percent of our squad being made up of Polynesians I think we're looking forward to pretty similar conditions to here [in Queensland] but probably the humidity would be a big shock for a lot of the boys, so it presents a challenge in itself".

Former Fiji sevens rep Filipo Daugunu has starred for Queensland Country in the Australian NRC.

Former Fiji sevens rep Filipo Daugunu has starred for Queensland Country in the Australian NRC. Photo: QRU Media/Rugby Australia

Queensland can leap-frog the Canberra Vikings into first place with a win in Lautoka today, while both teams are in position to seal a home semi final with a good result.

The Drua will also farewell their six Fijian internationals after today's game.

The Fijian Drua huddle together.

The Fijian Drua huddle together. Photo: Australian Rugby