It’ll be a long way from Durham for Waratah Jamie Adamson, but the flanker is embracing the challenge of going to Super Rugby’s graveyard in Lautoka.
The NSW Waratahs head to Churchill Park looking for their maiden win in Fiji against the Drua at a ground where the hosts have quickly built into a fortress.
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The Drua have won their last seven games at Churchill Park, including their only win of the year against title favourites Chiefs.
Adamson and the Waratahs are coming off their own victory over the Chiefs, which was the former English Sevens star’s debut start in Super Rugby.
He got a taste of what to expect on Saturday as the Drua merchandise was noticeably strong at Sydney Airport as the team departed for their final match before the bye.
“Buzzing, first time in Fiji for me so just looking forward to getting over there and getting stuck in,” Adamson told Rugby.com.au.
“I'm sure we'll have a real big crowd and good support behind us…Rugby is a massive part of their culture. It can get pretty hostile at times, but in a good way.
“I'm keen to just get out there.”
Adamson was on cloud nine after last week’s heroics, delivering a monster defensive performance that included 26 tackles and a turnover.
“That was amazing,” he said.
“Obviously, a hard-fought win, especially at the end. I think we won five minutes over time. Those last passages, the boys were pretty tired at the end.
“It was amazing. Just really proud of all the lads, especially all the boys that came off the bench. Massive impact from then.”
For coach Dan McKellar, the contest is a perfect chance to test his depth with a host of Wallabies on the sidelines.
Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota stayed in Sydney after being rested, with Jake Gordon and Dave Porecki still recovering from injuries.
“It was always part of the plan,” he told rugby.com.au
“It's a great opportunity for Isaac (Kailea) and for Tom (Lambert). Tom's trained consistently well for us and had some good time with Sydney University.
"Isaac's obviously a player who's had some experience at Test level (and) gets his first start for the Waratahs. He's going to be a really important player for us around scrum and more.
"It's a big day for Isaac and Tom.”
McKellar also shed light on the decision to play Langi Gleeson off the bench, starting Leafi Talataina.
It mirrors the strategy used in Round Five against the Queensland Reds, with Gleeson scoring in the second half, albeit in a 35-15 loss.
“What we need to understand these days is that games are won and lost in the last 30 minutes and he can bring some impact off the bench,” McKellar added.
“Hopeful that Langi will have genuine impact in that last 30.”
