The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua suffered a narrow defeat to the Waratahs last Friday night at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, ending the match with a score of 29-24. This loss marks the Drua’s third consecutive defeat in the ongoing 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, continuing a trend established in prior close encounters against the ACT Brumbies and the Hurricanes.
The Drua showcased remarkable resilience and skill throughout the game, managing a total of 200 tackles and executing key plays that initially secured them an early lead. A try from Ponipate Loganimasi allowed the Drua to jump ahead 7-0, highlighting their competitiveness. However, the team has struggled to maintain this momentum in critical moments, resulting in late-game collapses that have left both players and fans feeling frustrated.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere and coach Glen Jackson have both acknowledged the need for improvement in maintaining focus and execution during crucial periods. Following their recent loss, Ikanivere remarked, “We’ve been there for the whole game and just give it away in the last five minutes,” which underscores a significant challenge that the players must address moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Drua are set to face the unbeaten Chiefs at Churchill Park in Lautoka, an essential opportunity for them to regroup and seek redemption. Despite their current winless streak, the emergence of promising young talents like Loganimasi offers hope for future success, as does the unwavering support from their dedicated fanbase. There is optimism that the lessons learned from their recent narrow losses will serve as a foundation for their growth.
As the Drua gear up for their next challenge, it is imperative that they work on their discipline and execution, striving to turn potential into tangible results on the field. The journey continues, with the promise of brighter days ahead as they aim for their first victory of the season.
In the spirit of Fijian rugby resilience, the Drua can draw strength from their experiences and the steadfast backing from their supporters, motivating them to push forward towards success in the matches that lie ahead.
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