The Fijian Drua faced another tough loss in the Super Rugby Pacific, suffering a 38-21 defeat against the Brumbies in Canberra. This game showcased a series of controversial referee calls that co-captain Frank Lomani believes significantly impacted the team’s performance. Despite an early show of strength in the second half, crucial decisions shifted the momentum away from the Drua at pivotal moments.
Lomani expressed his frustration with the officiating, stating, “We come in to win games, and those calls change momentum. We had them in the first 15 minutes.” He pointed out a particular call that reversed their progress just as they were gaining ground on the Brumbies, crystallizing their struggles with discipline in pressure moments.
This match reflects a pattern seen earlier in the season where similar frustrations were voiced, particularly in their match against the Waratahs, which marked their third consecutive defeat. Lomani, alongside coach Glen Jackson, emphasized the urgency of improving their focus and execution to overcome these challenges. Jackson echoed the sentiment of resilience among the players, noting their promising talent score, particularly from younger players who continue to spark optimism amidst their current struggles.
Looking ahead, the Drua will face the Western Force in the next round, presenting an opportunity for the team to regroup and channel their frustrations positively. The support from their fans will play a crucial role as they seek to transform their competitive spirit into much-needed victories.
With the right adjustments and determination to learn from past mistakes, there is a hopeful outlook that the Drua can leverage their resilience and potential to turn around their current form in the remainder of the season.
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