After suffering a disappointing 34-15 defeat to Moana Pasifika in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s head coach Glen Jackson expressed his regret over the loss, particularly for the fans. The team’s previous victory over the Waratahs showcased their potential, but their performance against Moana highlighted execution issues that have plagued them throughout the season.
Jackson reflected on the disparity between their previous successes and their recent struggles, stating, “To lose quite handsomely in the end is probably disappointing for Fijians.” The Drua faced a challenging start to the match, going scoreless in the first half with a 0-17 deficit. Despite some fighting spirit in the second half as they attempted to close the gap, they were ultimately outmatched by Moana Pasifika.
Ardie Savea and his Moana Pasifika teammates were recognized for their impressive performance, with Jackson giving them credit for their leadership and contribution to the game. “You’ve got to take your hat off to Moana… he has leadership and qualities that he brings to a young team,” Jackson remarked.
Despite this challenging setback, the Drua’s upcoming match against the Queensland Reds presents an opportunity for redemption. Jackson is hopeful that the young players in the squad can learn from these experiences and improve their execution on the field. Young talent like Ponipate Loganimasi, who has shown promising skills this season, could play a pivotal role in their future matches.
The unwavering support from the Drua’s fan base continues to be a source of motivation for the team. They remain optimistic that with hard work and commitment to improvement, they can turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of the season. As they prepare to face the Queensland Reds, the hope is that the Drua can harness their resilience and push for a stronger performance moving forward.
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