Fijian Drua fans at Churchill Park, Lautoka. Photo: Kirk Corrie/ActionPress
The Fiji Drua has made a desperate appeal to their fans in Fiji for support.
Chief executive Mark Evans has released a video message - shared with media and on different social platforms -urging supporters supporters to stand with the team during their three upcoming home matches.
The Drua, who will meet the Reds this weekend, the Blues and Western Force, in three consecutive home games for the first time since 2022, are sitting at the 11th spot on the points table - the bottom of the competition's standing.
The team has won only two matches out of the 10 they have played so far.
As a result, fans have started staying away from the team's games, which was obvious when the team played the Waratahs in Lautoka on 18 April.
The normally fully packed Churchill Park showed half of the seatings empty.
Evans said said they are disappointed but added it is a downturn that will soon pass if fans stick with the team and its partners.
"None of us here are pleased with our season," Evans said.
"It's been patchy, with a couple of really good wins against quality top six opposition, a couple of frankly really poor, unacceptable performances and quite a few decent efforts when we've come out just on the wrong side of the score line.
"But overall, all of us are unhappy with the recent results so far. I know many of you are feeling a bit deflated, but I'd urge you to keep the faith, because you know the people of Fiji are no strangers to hardship and challenge, and they know that when tough times come, they must be faced head on.
"The key point is to stick together, by which I mean everybody, players, coaches, staff, sponsors, and, most importantly, the fans, all need to stay committed and positive. I'm totally convinced that we will look back in years to come and see this period as a short term, temporary loss of momentum."
Evans said the team have always played well with home support, adding they are keen to finish the season strongly.
"We all know a team feeds off this crowd, and nowhere is that more true than in Fiji," he said.
"It's why so few teams, even those of excellent quality, consistently win here in our homeland.
"So, to all the fans out there, I would say this, turn up in your numbers over the next three weeks in Suva and Lautoka, bring your flags where you drew a gear and above all, be your usual loud, enthusiastic and joyful selves.
"This is a tough competition which isn't over yet. The team is determined to finish strongly, and your help will make that easier to achieve."
Ponipate Loganimasi of Fijian Drua runs with the ball. Photo: Getty Images
It's 'a long shot'
Meanwhile, Drua head coach Glen Jackson said they still have a long shot of securing a top six finish.
They can do that if they win all three home games and claim an away win, something that has eluded them since the competition started.
And if other teams above them on the points table lose their respective matches as well
But that will depend on the players, he said, if they are switched on and keep playing well until the 80 minutes are done.
They face the Reds in Suva on Saturday, a game Jackson knows will be tougher than any they have played so far.
"I think the boys, first of all, have enjoyed playing the Reds over the last few years," he said.
"They're a quality team, but the way they play sort of suits us. And they've been very well coached this yea.
"It's a good opportunity to put ourselves against one of the better teams in the comp."
Jackson said the focus is on getting the full points against the Reds and then take it one at a time from the on.
"Now, the focus is to get 16 points and the way this competition going, who knows, if we finish on 27 or 28 points," the former Chiefs player said.
"It's a long shot, but it's certainly something we're just striving for. We need it.
"We need to get wins, not only for this country, but also for for the boys in here that have been trying extremely hard."
He said the competition this year has been tougher than the past.
And calls on the players to start believing in themselves and their capabilities.
"It's been, obviously a year that's been a tough Super Rugby," he stated.
"We created plenty of opportunities against Moana, as we have every single game, but 19 turnovers means that you don't win games.
"So it's important that the boys start realizing how good they can be once they believe in themselves and hang on to the ball and like I said, we want to just make sure that we can do that for the crowd this week.
"There's so many things going on in Super Rugby competition, around around who's winning, who's losing. I can only justify for us and and what we need to do, and that 16 points is a minimum."
He said against the Reds the team will need to hang on to the ball and cut down the turnover balls.
Changed lineup
Jackson has named some changes to his match-day 23, notably handing prop Mesake Doge the captaincy for the clash.
Doge replaces Mesulame Dolokoto, who has been leading the team in the last three games. Dolokoto has been rested after three games, with Zuriel Togiatama replacing him.
Season's captain Tevita Ikanivere is on the bench and is expected to come off that in the second half.
The biggest positional change has seen moving Isaiah Washington-Ravula to fullback, and naming Kemu Valetini at flyhalf.
Ravula has been consistent at 10.
The Reds have also named a strong team that includes Fijian heritage player, Seru Uru.
Fijian Drua v Reds
Kick-off: 2.05pm Saturday, 3 May
National Stadium, Suva
Drua: 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge (c), 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Isoa Tuwai, 8. Kitione Salawa, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Kemu Valetini, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Inia Tabuavou, 13. Vuate Karawalevu, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Bench: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Leone Rotuisolia, 20. Joseva Tamani, 21. Elia Canakiavata, 22. Philip Baselala, 23. Isikeli Rabitu
Reds: 1. Sef Fa'agase, 2. Richie Asiata, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Ryan Smith, 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Seru Uru, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Joe Brial, 9. Tate McDermott (c), 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Dre Pakeho, 14. Lachie Anderson, 15. Jock Campbell;
Bench: 16. Max Craig, 17. Alex Hodgman, 18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19. Josh Canham, 20. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 21. Kalani Thomas, 22. Tom Lynagh, 23. Heremaia Murray.
