Mick Byrne, the former head coach of the Fijian Drua, has raised concerns about the officiating standards affecting the Super Rugby club during matches. While coaching the Drua for three seasons, including leading them to two quarter-final appearances, Byrne observed significant officiating inconsistencies, notably during his first season when approximately 80% of their tries underwent TMO reviews. He recounted instances where three valid tries were disallowed, followed by apologies from referees after the games.
Supporting current head coach Glen Jackson’s recent complaints regarding a match against the Brumbies, Byrne highlighted that the Drua, known for having one of the strongest scrums in Super Rugby, struggled to receive fair treatment in crucial 50-50 calls. This lack of recognition from referees means the Drua must continuously showcase their set-piece strength to build trust among match officials.
Byrne also pointed out that the Drua’s unique style of play may lead to misunderstandings among referees, as they could be accustomed to traditional approaches. He emphasized the importance of patience, indicating that over time, as the team proves itself, referees might adapt to their playing style.
Echoing the sentiments of co-captain Frank Lomani, who noted that officiating decisions disrupted their momentum during the recent 21-38 loss to the Brumbies, Byrne indicated that maintaining focus and improving performance is crucial for the Drua as they prepare for future matches.
In light of these challenges, the Drua are poised to channel their resilience as they aim for victory in their next match against the Chiefs. With unwavering support from their fans and an emphasis on performance improvement, there is a hopeful outlook that the Drua can turn their fortunes around in the ongoing Super Rugby season. The emphasis on mental resilience and the emergence of promising young talents adds to the optimism surrounding the team as they look to translate effort into success on the field.
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