The Swire Fijian Drua faced a tough conclusion to their Super Rugby Pacific season, suffering a heavy 52-7 loss to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. Captain Tevita Ikanivere did not hold back in his assessment, attributing the disappointing outcome to his team’s ill-discipline. He emphasized that such misconduct, including two yellow cards, is detrimental against a strong opponent like the Reds.
Reflecting on the game, Ikanivere expressed frustration over the team’s fall from grace after a promising start. “We started the game well, but fell off after the first 12-13 minutes as ill-discipline set in. We can never win a match with that much misconduct,” he stated, highlighting the vital need for consistency and focus. The Drua managed only one try, courtesy of prop Haeriti Hetet, leaving them with much to contemplate as they prepare for next season.
The loss meant the Drua finished the season without a spot in the finals, and while the match posed challenges, Ikanivere remains optimistic about the potential for future growth. He pointed out that the team will focus on improving discipline and execution as they look to build on the lessons learned throughout the season. Despite being down, there is a sense of hope as younger players emerge, showing the future for the team could indeed be bright.
In the wake of their final match, fans of the Drua are encouraged to continue supporting the team, knowing that their dedication and resilience may lead to better times ahead in the realm of Fijian rugby. The spirit shown by the Drua, despite the setbacks, sets the stage for renewed ambition as they aim to elevate their performance in the next season.
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