Discipline will be a central focus for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as they gear up to face the Hurricanes this Saturday at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand. Head coach Glen Jackson stressed the importance of addressing the discipline issues that cost them dearly in their initial match of the season, where two yellow cards significantly hindered their performance. “We went into halftime with the lead, but those yellow cards killed us,” Jackson noted, highlighting the need to minimize unnecessary penalties.
As they prepare for back-to-back away games against the Hurricanes and Waratahs, Jackson indicated that managing player workload will be crucial. The travel from Fiji to Napier presents challenges, and the six-day turnaround before facing the Waratahs adds another layer of complexity. “We want to ensure everyone gets a run while maintaining the team’s fitness for the upcoming matches,” he stated.
Historically, winning away has posed difficulties for the Drua. However, Jackson is optimistic about changing that narrative. He remarked, “Once we get that first big away win, it’s going to shift things for our club.” There is confidence within the squad, as several players have proved their mettle in away games while representing Fiji at the international level, particularly during the Pacific Nations Cup.
This upcoming clash holds significance not only for points but also for team morale as both the Drua and the Hurricanes seek redemption after narrow opening losses—they lost 36-32 to the Brumbies while the Hurricanes were edged out by the Crusaders 33-25. With a passionate support base behind them, this match could be a pivotal moment for the Drua as they aim to transform their previous away performances into a hopeful start for the season.
Kick-off is set for 3:35 PM, and spectators can expect an intense encounter as the Drua strive for a disciplined display that could lay the groundwork for their campaign ahead. With Jackson’s strategic adjustments and the team’s collective determination, fans remain hopeful for a positive result.
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