NSW Waratahs captain Hugh Sinclair is under no illusions about the task that lies ahead for his side in their Round 10 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Fijian Drua at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji on Saturday.
Speaking after the team’s final Captain’s Run on Friday in Nadi where the team is staying, Sinclair spoke of the conditions and challenge of playing the Drua at home.
“Everyone was expecting heavy showers and mud from the start of the week, but it’s actually been pretty good,” Sinclair told media on Friday.
“[There was] a bit of rain when we got in last night, but today’s been sunny and humid – pretty standard for the tropics.”
Humidity aside, the NSW Waratahs skipper knows exactly how brutal a match in Fiji can be.
“Last year was one of the toughest games I’ve ever played in,” Sinclair said.
“You can try to prepare for it – saunas, talk about it all you want – but nothing quite gets you ready like actually playing here.”
The NSW Waratahs’ last outing against the Drua in Lautoka was last year and ended in a 39-36 loss. It remains etched in Sinclair’s memory, especially the late-game drama.
“I remember Tane [Edmed’s] drop goal hitting the crossbar – looking up from the ruck and thinking, ‘Oh no’ – and then [reserve Drua Kemu] Valetini hit the winner from 40 out.
“I couldn’t believe it. It was a real heartbreaker.”
“But we played some good footy in patches and put them under pressure; and hopefully we can do that again and get the right result.”
Sinclair acknowledged the passionate home support for the Drua and how it fuels their performances.
“They’re a massive threat here, and their record at home proves that. The crowd will be right behind them – it’ll be hostile, no doubt.
“When we played them in Sydney [in Round 3] it was pretty tight. There was a bit of noise after.
“We are prepared. They are going to be coming at us and the whole crowd is going to be behind them. It’s going to be a tough one.”
Adding to the challenge for the NSW Waratahs is the absence of key players due to the mandated resting policy. for players of Wallabies interest.
From the NSW Waratahs, that means props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou and backrower Rob Leota are sitting out this week.
"It’s a tough one. You lose some of your best players," Sinclair said.
“Of course, it’s tough losing blokes in form, but you have got to do it [take on the season] as a squad. You can’t just rely on those guys week-in, week-out.
"They need to have a week out. It’s mandated. It is what it is; and luckily enough this year we've got better depth than we've had.
"I'm pretty confident in the guys [who have come in] being capable to step up."
The NSW Waratahs face the match off a win against the Chiefs and sit mid-table with a chance to shift momentum in their favour going into a bye week.
“If we can go with six wins and three losses, that’s massive,” Sinclair said. “It sets the season up a little bit.
“We had a couple of disappointing weeks against the Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika, but knew Moana, Chiefs game and this one were crucial for our season.
“If we can win this one, it really sets up for the back end of the year.”
While many teams try to match the Fijians’ freewheeling style, Sinclair is adamant the NSW Waratahs must stick to their own blueprint.
“You’re not going to beat them at their own game,” he said.
“We need to stay structured, use our set piece, that’s what we do anyway.
“But at the same time, we don’t want to shy away from playing footy.
“But we saw last week, if there’s space on our goal line, there’s space. We want to attack from anywhere … which was really pleasing to see last week.”
Keeping a lid on the excitement from last week’s big win has also been a focus.
“We enjoyed it, watched the women’s team get up the next day [in the Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final], and had a nicer Monday review than the Monday before,” Sinclair laughed.
“But Dan [McKellar, NSW Waratahs head coach] capped it on the Monday.”
“Historically, we’ve had big wins then fallen off the cliff ... We’ve addressed it, but not until we see the performance tomorrow, we will know what’s going on.”
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
