The Fijian Drua faced a tough challenge in their recent Super Rugby Pacific match, tasting a heavy 52-15 defeat against the Western Force in Perth during Round 6. The Force dominated the game, leading 33-5 at halftime after scoring five tries, with Ilaisa Droasese providing the Drua’s sole response just before the break.
As the second half unfolded, the Drua attempted to stage a comeback, with Taniela Rakuro and Etonia Waqa each crossing the line for tries. However, the Western Force maintained relentless pressure, effectively sealing their victory with late tries that showcased their dominance throughout the match. The Drua struggled significantly with discipline and execution in set-pieces, which were highlighted as key areas needing improvement.
Failures in critical moments included missed conversions by Caleb Muntz and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, compounding the team’s difficulties as they continued to contend with their road woes. Head Coach Glen Jackson has previously pointed out the need for better focus and discipline, emphasizing that understanding their shortcomings is essential for moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Drua will have a bye week to regroup before facing the Crusaders at home on April 5. The upcoming break allows the team an opportunity to address their performance issues and harness the emerging talents within their roster. Notably, players like Rakuro and Waqa have shown promise, which, combined with the unwavering support from their fans, instills a sense of optimism that the Drua can turn their season around.
As they prepare for the next challenge, the Drua’s resilience and commitment to improvement could well pave the way for better outcomes in the matches to come, echoing the spirited nature of Fijian rugby.
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