The Fijian Drua face a period of reflection following a difficult 15-51 loss to the Western Force in the Super Rugby Pacific competition at HBF Park in Perth. The game saw the Drua struggling to find their footing, as the Force rapidly established control, scoring 33 unanswered points before the Drua could respond with an unconverted try by Ilaisa Droasese just before halftime.
As the second half progressed, the Drua showed some signs of a fightback, with tries from Taniela Rakuro and Etonia Waqa, but the relentless pressure from the Force overshadowed their efforts. The Drua’s performance highlighted issues with their organization, particularly in breakdowns and lineouts, which were dominated by the opposition. Former Wallabies player Tim Horan was critical of the halves combination of Simione Kuruvoli and Caleb Muntz for their inability to make a significant impact on the game.
Co-captain Tevita Ikanivere emphasized the need for a mindset shift, especially around their performance in away games, which has been a consistent challenge for the Drua. This loss marks another chapter in a concerning trend for the team as they prepare for their bye week and upcoming match against the Crusaders in Suva on April 5.
However, amidst the challenges, there is hope. Promising performances from Rakuro and Waqa, along with the strong support from fans, provide a basis for optimism. With dedicated preparation during the bye week, the Drua can work on their weaknesses, reinforce their strengths, and embody the resilience associated with Fijian rugby, aiming for better results in their future matches. This setback could serve as a valuable lesson as they strive for improvement in the upcoming games.
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