With the Super Rugby Pacific season reaching its halfway point, head coach Glen Jackson of the Fijian Drua recognizes the rising stakes as his team prepares for a critical home match against the Crusaders this Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Jackson has highlighted the importance of this juncture in the season, noting that as teams recover from early battles, performance lapses can lead to heavy defeats, as evidenced by recent results across the league.
“The first few weeks were tight contests, but now we’re seeing larger margins in games. If we’re not at our best, we can suffer significant losses,” Jackson commented, urging players to capitalize on this critical time to secure their positions for the remainder of the season. The Drua previously experienced a tough loss, falling 52-15 to the Western Force, and Jackson is eager to see a positive response from his team.
As preparations ramp up, Jackson is calling for robust fan support for what promises to be a high-tempo and physical encounter against the Crusaders. Both teams are known for their offensive strategies, making it vital for the Drua to maintain discipline and manage possession effectively. “We need to look after our ball, maintain quick, clean possession, and execute our game plan,” Jackson emphasized.
With several home games on the horizon, Jackson is optimistic about the potential for a turnaround. He notes that recent training sessions have been productive, and players are eager to compete in front of their hometown crowd. A steadfast commitment to improvement and the backing of local fans could provide a significant boost to the Drua’s ambitions this season.
In addition to reinforcing their squad depth, Jackson believes that fostering mental resilience is key for his young team. The Drua aim to channel their home crowd’s energy into motivation, leveraging this match not only to gather crucial points but to inspire confidence within the entire Fijian rugby community.
As the Drua face the Crusaders at 3:35 PM Saturday, both fans and players hold hope that this game could mark a turning point in their season, reigniting their campaign and solidifying their standing within the league.
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