Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere reflected on the team’s 31-14 defeat to the Crusaders at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, citing missed opportunities as a significant factor in their loss. Ikanivere expressed that while the Drua crafted several scoring chances, they were unable to capitalize on them, ultimately falling short against a stronger Crusaders side that dominated various facets of the match.
The captain acknowledged that the Crusaders played a more cohesive game, excelling at breakdowns and set-pieces, areas that the Drua needed to improve. “We were alright there, we just didn’t keep the ball as much as we wanted to. A quality team like the Crusaders capitalizes on that. We were mentally present and wanted the win, but as the coach said, we didn’t keep the ball,” Ikanivere noted.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, he conveyed gratitude to their fans for their unwavering support throughout the season, promising to return stronger in their next outing. The Drua will head to Forsyth Barr Stadium in New Zealand next weekend to face the Highlanders, where they aim to translate their potential into a well-deserved victory.
In light of recent performances, including a close contest against the Waratahs, where they also faced challenges in maintaining focus in critical moments, the team is keen on addressing these issues. Young talents emerging within the squad provide a ray of hope for the Drua. The support from their passionate fans will undoubtedly motivate them as they strive to turn these lessons into future successes.
This upcoming match against the Highlanders represents an opportunity for the Drua to rebound and potentially break their current winless streak in the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Encouraging signs suggest that with the right focus and execution, better days are ahead for the team.
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