The transformation of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players was evident when 17 players from the side were named into the Fiji Water Flying Fijians' 33-member squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup campaign and the Rugby World Cup in September.
In a fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Fijian Drua Head of Athletic Performance Naca Cawanibuka says people only see what the players produce on the field but do not have much idea of what happens behind the scene.
Cawanibuka who has been called into the Flying Fijians coaching staff says in terms of transformation every player is special in their own rights.
He says one of evidence of the players’ transformation as well is when they ran some speed tests for players and mentioned some of the players are running way faster than expected and mentioned Fijian Drua winger Selestino Ravutaumada has been running a time faster than USA 7s winger Carlin Isles.
He says there are systems in place for these players to follow when they begin a training day.
He adds one of the tests that was conducted on these players is the hydration test on a big training day and even on game days.
Cawanibuka says they can tell if the players are hydrated or dehydrated by doing urine sample tests and if they are dehydrated they are made sure to rehydrate so their bodies function well.
He says this is evident with the Fijian Drua where they have been playing 80-minutes rugby in this year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
He says one thing that is important for a team in a hard-format setting and that is the environment because it can bring out the best in the athletes and as coaches, it is important to show these players how good they can be which boosts their confidence level.
He adds if these players keep to the straight and narrow, their best version is smiling back at them and asking them to keep striving towards their best which they would probably make it.
Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians will take on Tonga in round 1 of the PNC at 3pm Saturday in Lautoka.
You can watch the full Straight Talk interview with Naca Cawanibuka below:
