Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has expressed his concerns about officiating following his team’s recent 38-21 defeat against the Brumbies. Drawing from his experience as both a former Super Rugby player and an international referee, Jackson pointed out specific decisions he believes negatively impacted the match’s outcome.
He criticized a situation involving a chip-and-chase, where he felt that leading with a shoulder by the last defender should have resulted in a yellow card, akin to penalties faced by the Drua in previous games. Jackson voiced his frustration over the inconsistency he observed in officiating, particularly as the Drua pressured the Brumbies at the goal line without receiving rewards for their efforts.
Despite the setback, Jackson praised the leadership and resilience demonstrated by co-captains Frank Lomani and Tevita Ikanivere, highlighting the team’s preparation for the match. Looking ahead, the Drua will face the Western Force in Perth next weekend as part of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Though the Drua are currently facing challenges with three consecutive losses, their spirits remain high. Jackson has stressed the need for mental resilience and focus, encouraging his players to avoid dwelling on referee decisions and to instead concentrate on improving their performance.
There is a sense of optimism surrounding the Drua as they aim for their first win of the season. With promising young talents like Ponipate Loganimasi stepping up, the team’s passionate fan base holds hope that the Drua can convert their hard work and experiences into positive results in the upcoming matches. This commitment to improvement, alongside a strong lineup, suggests that better days could be ahead for the Drua in the remainder of the season.
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