The players are a lot more mature now than they were this time last year - Byrne

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are heading into the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarter final clash against the Blues this weekend a lot more different now from the team that played in the last two seasons.

According to coach Mick Byrne, the players are a lot more mature around the way they are and their body shapes have changed a lot.

Byrne says they are now more physically stronger and fitter than they were this time around last year.

He says on the back end of these developments, most of the players in the squad were part of the Flying Fijians squad that made history in Twickenham last year beating England and also reaching the quarter finals at the Rugby World Cup.

Byrne earlier said he is expecting a physical battle against the Blues in the forwards and will bring in what they are renowned for and that is to get around the Blues before they do.

The Drua will take on the Blues in the third quarter final at 7.05pm this Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland.

In other quarter finals this weekend, the Chiefs will play the Reds at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Hurricanes will host the Rebels at 4.35pm Saturday and the Brumbies will play the Highlanders at 9.35pm Saturday.