Drua ladies all in for round one

The McDonald's Fijian Drua Women's rugby team is channeling a message of self-reliance and focused preparation as they gear up for their Super W season opener against the formidable NSW Waratahs. Captain Bitila Tawake has urged her squad to concentrate on their own game plan and trust the extensive work they've invested in.

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Our preparation this week has been about knowing they are the number one team in the competition and understanding how dominant they can be in attack and defence. But all I’m going to say is that I’m backing my girls 100 percent all the way. We’re not going to focus on the opposition too much. We’re focusing on ourselves first, the team and the result that we can produce this weekend.

"We're not going to focus on the opposition too much. We're focusing on ourselves first, the team and the result that we can produce this weekend," Tawake stated. While acknowledging the Waratahs as the competition's benchmark side, known for their dominance in attack and defense, Tawake expressed unwavering confidence in her team. "I’m backing my girls 100 percent all the way," she affirmed.

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We’ve spoken about it as a group. We’re taking one game at a time. The Waratahs are our first focus for the season. We’ll concentrate on them and then move on to the next challenge after that.

The Drua's ambition is to secure a third Super Rugby Women's title, but Tawake is instilling a disciplined, game-by-game approach. "We've spoken about it as a group. We're taking one game at a time. The Waratahs are our first focus for the season," she explained. This strategy involves continuously refining their core strengths and basics, while diligently reviewing performances and addressing any areas needing improvement, both on and off the field.

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We’re sticking to our strengths and our basics, going back to the drawing board, reviewing performances and checking in on the girls mentally around areas where we may be lacking.

Internally, a strong leadership group, including vice-captains Kolora Lomani and Alfreda Fisher, along with Josivini Naihamu and Carletta Yee, fosters a close-knit culture. They meet weekly with team manager and head coach Mike Legge to ensure players feel connected and supported. Tawake highlighted the importance of mental well-being and mutual support, stating, "The spirit of togetherness comes from checking in on one another. If someone is having issues, we make sure they're supported."

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The spirit of togetherness comes from checking in on one another. If someone is having issues, we make sure they’re supported. A lot of it comes down to the mental side of things and helping each other through challenges.