The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced a challenging match against the Chiefs, ending in a 31-47 defeat during their Super Rugby Pacific pre-season trial held in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Despite the loss, head coach Glen Jackson praised his team’s effort on the field, particularly commending their defensive performance against a formidable Chiefs side.
Jackson expressed his pride in the players, noting that the team had prepared rigorously during the week leading up to the game, understanding that they would face tough conditions. He highlighted the standout performances of new players such as Temo Mayanavanua, Virimi Vakatawa, and Manasa Mataele. “I thought our new players played extremely well; Virimi was good, Temo outstanding, and Manasa and Issac really brought in some good stuff,” he remarked, indicating a positive development in team dynamics.
In the first half, the Drua found themselves trailing 21-33, with tries scored by Motikiai Murray, Ilaisa Droasese, Joe Tamani, and Iosefo Namoce contributing to their effort. However, Jackson acknowledged that discipline issues significantly impacted their performance, particularly around goal defense, leading to unnecessary penalties. He expressed confidence that these areas could be improved upon in the future.
Looking ahead, the Drua will return home to prepare for their upcoming match against the Skipper Select side in the much-anticipated ‘Battle of Fiji’ at Churchill Park in Lautoka next Friday. This match will serve as another opportunity for the team to refine their skills and build momentum as they continue their pre-season preparations. Jackson’s optimistic outlook reflects a commitment to growth and learning, which bodes well for the team’s future in the season ahead.
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