Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne has voiced his support for Glen Jackson, the current coach, in addressing concerns over inconsistent officiating in Super Rugby. Byrne, who played a pivotal role in the Drua’s early development, noted that despite the team’s strength, particularly in areas such as the scrum and set-piece play, they frequently encounter officiating that undermines their performance.
Byrne highlighted that referees often hesitate to award the Drua the benefit of the doubt during crucial moments, pointing out that previous seasons have seen a significant number of their tries subjected to TMO (Television Match Official) reviews, with many legitimate scores disallowed. He remarked that the unique style of play exhibited by Fijian teams may lead to confusion among referees, as they might not be accustomed to the techniques employed by these teams.
Even with these challenges, Byrne encourages a hopeful outlook, urging patience while Fiji’s teams prove their capabilities at the highest level. He has faith in Jackson’s assessment of officiating, given Jackson’s background as a former referee and now coach.
As they prepare for their next match against the Chiefs, there is a resolve within the team. The optimism surrounding the Drua, reinforced by their strong fan base, suggests that they can turn their performances into victories, particularly as they harness their resilience and skill on the field. The focus is not just on overcoming officiating concerns but also on developing a style that potentially earns them greater recognition from referees in the future.
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