Drua Coach Balances Disappointment and Optimism After Defeat

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has expressed a blend of disappointment and optimism following the team’s 43-20 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin. Despite the defeat, Jackson pointed out several positives from the match, particularly the spirit and effort shown by his players during a strong second-half performance.

The Drua began the match on the back foot, trailing 17-3 at halftime. However, they regrouped and showcased their fighting spirit, scoring three tries in the second half and narrowing the score to 20-24 at one point. Co-captain Mesulame Dolokoto highlighted the importance of maintaining joy in their play, stating, “Keep on trying and that was what we did.” He also noted the team’s determination to improve as they prepare to face the NSW Waratahs.

The Highlanders started strongly, with debutant Taniela Filimone scoring two tries within the first 12 minutes. Despite their early struggles, the Drua managed to make a comeback, with Isikeli Rabitu leading the charge along with commendable contributions from Simione Kuruvoli and Ponipate Loganimasi. Loganimasi’s standout performance included a remarkable try courtesy of a clever chip-and-chase, displaying the potential that the team has as they navigate a tough season.

However, as the Drua gained momentum, a yellow card for Kuruvoli for a deliberate knockdown shifted the dynamics of the match. The Highlanders capitalized on this, scoring critical tries late in the game to secure their victory. This loss marks the Drua’s seventh defeat of the season, placing them at the bottom of the Super Rugby standings.

Despite the challenges they face, Jackson remains hopeful. He pointed to the learning experiences derived from these tough matches and emphasized the promise displayed by players like Loganimasi and the need to build on these experiences moving forward. Jackson and his squad will aim to channel their resilience and lessons learned into their next match against the Waratahs, where they hope to finally secure their first victory of the season. The unwavering support from their fans will be crucial as they continue to strive for improvement and success on the field.