Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson expressed his disappointment following a narrow 34-38 loss to the Hurricanes. While he praised his team’s dedication, he highlighted critical moments in the match that significantly influenced the final outcome.
Jackson credited his players for their hard work but expressed frustration with incidents that interrupted their flow, particularly the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) that forced Caleb Muntz off the field. He emphasized how this affected team dynamics and prevented them from putting forth their optimal lineup. “We expect to have 15 players on the field; an HIA can really shift the game’s momentum,” he stated.
Additionally, Jackson raised concerns regarding the handling of head injuries within the game, underscoring the need for stricter penalties to ensure player safety. “We ask a lot from our players, and sometimes I feel they’re not well looked after,” he noted.
Despite the defeat, Jackson was pleased with the team’s discipline and scrum performance, especially considering that the starting lineup saw 13 changes. “Our discipline was fantastic, and earning two points from games against the Brumbies and Hurricanes is commendable,” he reflected.
Looking forward, Jackson expressed optimism about the squad’s potential as they prepare for their next match against the Waratahs. He believes in the team’s capability and their commitment to training. “We’ve got a great squad who believe in what they’re doing. They’ve trained extremely hard, and while this tournament will be tough, we’re excited,” he concluded.
This positive outlook aligns with the Drua’s previous performance against the Brumbies, where despite a similarly close defeat, their resilience and commitment suggested encouraging growth for the future. With young talents stepping up and experienced players providing guidance, fans remain hopeful that the Drua will apply lessons learned and deliver strong performances as the season progresses.
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