Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has hailed his supporters as “the best fans in the world” after his side overturned a halftime deficit to beat the Highlanders 24-14 in their Round 12 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at 4R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba. Jackson said the crowd’s “phenomenal” turnout played a key role as the Drua tightened up in the second half to secure a home victory.
It was an entertaining and physical contest across both halves. Both teams traded tries in the opening period, with the Highlanders edging ahead 14-12 by the break. The Drua responded after halftime by lifting intensity and scoring twice while keeping the visitors scoreless, pulling clear to post the 10-point win in front of their home supporters.
“The best fans in the world, the turnout was phenomenal,” Jackson said after the match. “We are super lucky as a team to have a country who loves the game, interested in the game, knowledgeable of the game and the pressure of our players is to perform for them.” The coach underlined how playing in front of a passionate home crowd continues to drive the team’s performances.
Jackson also acknowledged the physical and mental demand the players have endured in recent weeks. “It was a huge eight weeks for the boys, week in, week out,” he said, pointing to a gruelling stretch of fixtures that the squad has just come through. With that period behind them, he said attention now turns to the next challenge.
“Next focus is the Waratahs and we are looking forward to that,” Jackson added, signalling the team’s short turnaround and the importance of maintaining momentum in the Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph paid tribute to the Drua’s performance, calling it a hard-fought match. “I thought it was a tough game. We played some good rugby and Drua played some, so the points were reflected there. We also made some mistakes, but we had our moments,” Joseph said. He conceded the hosts made the crucial plays when it mattered. “Credit to the Drua,” he said.
The win marks a timely boost for the Drua as they exploit home support at Govind Park. With the immediate focus now set on the Waratahs, Jackson will be hoping the confidence from this comeback and the backing of a vocal Fijian crowd can be sustained through the next phase of the season.