NSW Waratahs backrower Langi Gleeson is preparing for one of the key matches of his year as the team readies to face the Fijian Drua on Saturday.
The Round 10 Super Rugby Pacific fixture at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji holds personal significance for the NSW Waratahs player with Fijian roots.
Speaking to media after NSW Waratahs training at Daceyville today, Gleeson shared how special it is to return to Fiji, and to play the Drua for the second time this season. The two sides last played each other in Round 3 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, with the NSW Waratahs winning 29-24 in a bruising affair.
“It means everything to me," Gleeson said of playing in Fiji where he has a strong coterie of relatives. "I’ve got a lot of family in Fiji. There’ll be a lot coming … depending on how many tickets I can bring … maybe 20, maybe 50.
“Last time I was there, there were heaps of them. It’ll be good to see them all again.”
Gleeson expects a tough, physical contest in what is likely to be a sold-out crowd in Lautoka, with local support for the Drua expected to be at fever pitch.
“The whole nation loves the Drua and loves rugby,” Gleeson said.
“It’s always tough playing over there. We lost to them last time in Fiji [in 2024]. So, it’s important that we play our best footy like we did last week.”
The NSW Waratahs are riding high after a strong victory over the Chiefs last Friday night at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. But they are also conscious of the Drua’s unpredictable style, as well as the challenge of winning away games.
“We just need to play our game, just stick to our systems, getting our chops in, and trust each other on our inside and outside," Gleeson said.
“The Drua are very dangerous, especially with their offloads and broken play.”
Gleeson said playing in Fiji requires a mental shift. It’s something the NSW Waratahs are preparing for after poor second halves in losses to the Hurricanes in Wellington in Round 7 and Moana Pasifika in Auckland in Round 8.
“At home, everything’s familiar, but when we’re away, especially in a place like Lautoka, we need to get personal and lift,” Gleeson said.
“It’s about bringing that same energy and discipline we had last week.”
The Drua currently sit near the bottom of the ladder but Gleeson insists that makes them even more dangerous.
“The whole competition is dangerous – anyone can lose, anyone can win,” Gleeson said.
“When we play the Drua, they are always switched on. They always go hard at us.
“If they are number one or last, we need to take this really seriously.
“They always lift when they play us – it’s one of the most physical games of the year.”
Gleeson also reflected on the NSW Waratahs’ turnaround after their Round 7 and 8 losses, attributing it to a mix of self-reflection and renewed commitment.
“We had to look ourselves in the mirror and focused on what we needed to fix,” Gleeson said.
“Everyone has stepped up, and last week [against the Chiefs] was a step in the right direction – but we need to go even harder this weekend.”
`
Where: Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
When: Saturday, 19 April, 2025
Kick-off: 12.05 pm (AEST)
The game will be televised LIVE on STan Sport - the home of rugby
