The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced a frustrating defeat against the ACT Brumbies, ending the match with a score of 21-38 in Canberra on Friday night. Following the game, head coach Glen Jackson and captain Frank Lomani shared their disappointment regarding crucial referee decisions that they felt shifted the match’s momentum.
Jackson, visibly frustrated, acknowledged that while the Drua had prepared well, it was their lack of discipline in the first half that let them down. He highlighted specific moments, particularly a chip and chase incident involving Ponipate Loganimasi, which he believed warranted a penalty and possibly a yellow card against the Brumbies’ Tom Wright. “We’ve seen similar situations go against us that cost us games,” Jackson remarked, reflecting on previous matches where refereeing decisions seemed inconsistent.
Despite starting the match strongly and showing promise, the Drua’s rhythm was disrupted by penalties and multiple Head Injury Assessments (HIAs), which Jackson criticized for breaking the flow of the game. He pointed out that disruptions like these make it difficult for teams to maintain tempo, saying, “It’s tough to speed up the game with so many stoppages.”
Captain Frank Lomani echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating that key decisions altered the course of the match. “We came here to win and felt we had the momentum early on,” he said. Both leaders expressed the need to maintain focus on their performance rather than dwelling on officiating frustrations.
While the loss extended the Drua’s record against the Brumbies, there were positive takeaways, including strong performances from players like Lomani and Tevita Ikanivere. Jackson commended his squad for their efforts and underscored the importance of resilience as they prepare to regroup for their next match against the Western Force.
As they move forward in the Super Rugby Pacific season, the Drua are hopeful that they can build on their strengths and learn from their recent challenges. The support of their passionate fan base remains a vital source of encouragement as they seek to turn competitive performances into necessary victories.
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