What Reds coach Les Kiss expects from ‘dangerous’ Fijian Drua

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss is more than aware of the “danger” the Fijian Drua pose, with the two teams preparing to do battle for the second time in less than a month. On May 3, the Drua claimed a thrilling win over the Reds, with Isikeli Rabitu crossing for a dramatic winner.

With about 50 seconds left on the clock, Rabitu helped the Fijians secure one of their four wins in Super Rugby Pacific this season. It was a shock result, which followed the Drua’s triumph over the NSW Waratahs two weeks prior.

While the Queenslanders bounced back six days later against arch-rivals New South Wales, the Reds dropped their most recent two matches away to the ACT Brumbies and at home to the Hurricanes last time out.

The Reds are still in with a chance of a top-four finish on the standings, but need Moana Pasifika to beat the Canes at Wellington’s Sky Stadium this week to be in with a chance. But if the Queenslanders fall to the Fijians at home, it’s still possible they miss the playoffs altogether.

While the Reds only need a losing bonus point to play finals football, the Drua have shown over the past few seasons that they are capable of some unpredictable results. Fiji don’t have the best record on the road, but the Reds aren’t underestimating the challenge that awaits.

“Yeah, look, playing Fiji is danger across the board,” Kiss told reporters this week.

“I think from the last time we played them, we really were real and fairly emphatic about the things that we just didn’t get quite right.

“We had a chance to win that game late; lost a lineout and a lost a bit of momentum in the tackle area. We fixed that the following week and moved on from that.

“We are aware of what can happen in these games. We need to make sure we’re on point, we need to be direct, we need to be physical, and we need to be defensively connected.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

30

27

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

100%

“They’re a dangerous team but we will also make sure we back our game. We made some great incisions on them that day too, we just didn’t do the right things and the right time to win the money. Important that we stay on guard about what they offer but still back our game.”

Coach Kiss named a strong matchday 23 to take on the Drua, headlined by the return of Wallaby Josh Flook. Flook hasn’t played for the Reds since the team’s dramatic win over the Western Force in round three, having sustained an unfortunate hamstring injury.

Also in the backline, captain Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh will link up in the halves, while Hunter Paisami will start in the midfield alongside Flook. Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan and Lachie Anderson are the two wings, and Jock Campbell has been retained at fullback.

“[Flook has] been like a bear with a sore head really with this injury, however, he’s worked hard, along with our medical staff and rehab staff, they’ve done a fantastic job. His professionalism has gotten him ready earlier than expected,” Kiss explained.

“Him announcing his extension and commitment is also good news.

“We looking forward to seeing his impact in the game. Before he got injured, he was on fire so we expect him to hit the ground running.

“Partnering with Hunter [Paisami] there, that’s a good combination that’s proved well for us in the past.”