Raising the Bar: Zac Lomax’s Rugging Debut Promises Excitement as Western Force Face Fijian Drua

NRL convert Zac Lomax is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut this weekend on one of the toughest road trips imaginable.

Visiting the Fijian Drua in Lautoka is notoriously difficult for opposing teams. Since 2022, the Drua has built a formidable home record, aided by several factors that have cemented their reputation as a challenging opponent, dubbed a ‘nightmare in paradise.’

This match serves as a litmus test for Lomax and his Western Force teammates, who will face the Drua a short drive north of Nadi.

THE FIJIAN FANS

Across the islands, the pride of Drua flags can be seen fluttering in the breeze. Their loyal supporter base reaches fever pitch on game day.

“Churchill Park is a fantastic venue, right in the heart of Lautoka. Everyone dons their Drua gear and arrives early,” notes commentator Sam Wykes, a former Force lock and a prominent figure in Pasifika sport commentary.

“The atmosphere at kick-off is indescribable. There have been times when we’ve had to turn down the crowd noise on our microphones because it was just too loud, even at the lowest setting,” he recalls.

His co-commentator, Greg Clark, who has covered over 200 Test matches and is the most experienced commentator of Drua games, describes the atmosphere as simply deafening.

“When the crowd is at capacity, 10,000 can feel like 30,000. They are famously known as the world’s most passionate fans. Their inaugural coach, Mick Byrne, referred to them as the team’s 16th man,” remarks Clark.

“Anything can happen in the stadiums of Ba, Suva, and Lautoka. I recall a day when a fan was dancing at the top of the temporary stands and then suddenly vanished.”

“He’d actually fallen through a gap and dropped 20 feet beneath the stands, but somehow he came out unscathed. He just picked himself up and continued dancing,” Clark adds.

Waratahs and Wallabies back Andrew Kellaway has played Super Rugby for over ten years and notes that the local fan experience is truly unique.

“Drua supporters are consistently loud. A single moment of brilliance can send the crowd into a frenzy, which can dramatically shift the momentum of the match,” Kellaway explains.

THE CONDITIONS

The heat and humidity can be utterly stifling. For instance, when the Queensland Reds visited earlier this year, the temperature soared over 30 degrees while humidity levels hovered around 90%.

Often, rain can suddenly inundate the field, creating a slippery surface that can turn heavy and sodden.

“It’s like playing touch rugby in a sauna, all while 15 world-class athletes try to tackle you,” describes Kellaway, who has earned 49 Test caps for the Wallabies.

“The legs get heavy, but it’s the lungs that take the most beating. The combination of humidity and heat can drain your energy in no time, leading players to lose anywhere from 3 to 6 kilograms during a match,” he adds.

“It’s akin to the moment you step into a sauna—you feel the heat hit you square in the face,” Wykes shares. He notes, “When visiting teams arrive by bus, their first reaction is nearly always, ‘How hot is it?’”

“The moment the visiting team steps off the bus, you can gauge their feelings just by their expressions. If they mention the heat, it’s a sign that they’re in for a challenging day ahead,” he adds.

“When the Brumbies visited last year, their coach Stephen Larkham wore long pants and a zip-up top. When I asked if it was a psychological strategy, he simply winked at me. They ended up winning, which suggests there’s some merit to it,” Wykes recalls.

“Jamie Joseph, who used to coach me at the Sunwolves, would often advise, ‘Make the heat your ally.’ Invariably, teams that come to Lautoka dressed for comfort during warm-up often leave with a loss,” he states.

Clark, who authored The Rise of the Drua, mentions that some players struggle with their breathing in these conditions.

“Some players have compared this to playing at altitude in South Africa. Once it starts pouring, the conditions can get even stickier,” he adds.

It’s worth noting that it’s not solely the heat and humidity that take opponents by surprise.

“I remember last year, a guy from the Western Force approached me at half-time and exclaimed, ‘Mate, there are frogs on the field!’” Wykes relates with a chuckle.

THE NA BOLE

Exclusive to home games and special events, the Drua’s pre-match cultural challenge, known as Na Bole, roughly translates to: ‘We will fight to our last breath. We will dismantle your defences. We are tireless, truthful, and disciplined. Go the Drua.’

This powerful display significantly elevates the energy in the stadium.

Kellaway, who has faced the All Blacks’ haka ten times, describes it as follows:

“These two rituals inspire awe; however, seeing a burly Fijian man holding a spear and shouting commands is particularly intimidating,” Kellaway mentions.

Wykes believes this cultural display elevates the Drua’s performance to new heights.

“There’s no denying it fires them up. Just watch Frank Lomani as he delivers it; there’s palpable energy in the Bole,” he adds.

THE NATION IS WATCHING

There’s a long-held belief that when Fijian sevens teams participate in major tournaments on the HSBC World Series, the entire nation tunes in to watch.

Legend has it that a Fijian Prime Minister once tracked down a camera operator mid-broadcast to insist the camera remain fixated on the Fijian team’s huddle during half-time. This fervour extends to the Drua as well.

“The following is immense; everyone’s glued to their screens throughout villages and across all Fijian islands,” Wykes affirms.

“Kick-off times are even adjusted to align with local bus schedules, ensuring everyone can make it to the ground and back home. The Drua are beloved across the country,” he adds.

Clark, who has extensive experience on the sevens circuit, emphasises how much rugby holds significance for Fijians.

“They have a deep understanding of the game and genuinely appreciate the exceptional flair displayed by teams like the Drua and the Flying Fijians,” he concludes.

THE NUMBERS

Stan Sport stats expert Kate Lorimer analysed the data and found that visiting teams are up against it, with the Drua winning at home approximately 66% of the time.

Importantly, the trip also takes its toll on visiting squads in the following match.

Notably, neither the Brumbies, Waratahs, nor Force have won their subsequent match after facing the Drua at home. Only the Chiefs and Highlanders have emerged victorious after such encounters. So, what should Lomax expect on this trip?

“The Drua will ensure he knows they’re playing on their home turf, and his status means little in Fiji. The fans are enthusiastic supporters who will be familiar with his journey and abilities. Despite the bruises and weight loss, I reckon he’ll enjoy the experience,” Clark comments.

“While Zac has played Origin, this is a completely different challenge. He’d better have that sunscreen ready on the bench because once he hits the field, it’s going to be intense. The unpredictability of the game only adds to the excitement,” Wykes quips.

Don’t miss Lomax and the Force facing off against the Drua, live and exclusively on Stan Sport this Saturday at 2pm AEST.