Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson has called for a stronger response from his players after their disappointing finish to the Super Rugby Pacific season, which included a heavy 52-7 defeat against the Queensland Reds. This loss marked the Drua’s largest setback of the season and concluded an away campaign where they failed to secure a win, finishing with a record of 4-10.
During the match, the Drua conceded three tries in a rapid span while Iosefo Masi was sin-binned, significantly impacting the game’s outcome. Jackson emphasized the need for greater resilience, especially for a young team still finding its footing in competitive rugby. He noted, “We get it at home, but unfortunately, away, too often we resort to things that aren’t the way we want to play.”
Despite the frustrations experienced on the road, the Drua displayed potential during home games where they managed to defeat the Reds earlier in the month and came close against teams like the Hurricanes and Waratahs in their other away fixtures. This inconsistency highlights the broader challenges faced by the team as they adjust to the pressures of high-level competition in Super Rugby.
Notably, the Drua’s captain, Tevita Ikanivere, played his final game for the team on Saturday, alongside key players such as Olympic gold medallist Iosefo Masi, who are also set to depart for clubs in Europe. Jackson remains optimistic about the Drua’s future, stating, “We have got players that, when it gets a bit tough, need to fight through that,” and he believes that the club has the right resources and support to build upon this season as they prepare for their fifth season next year.
Reds coach Les Kiss expressed respect for the Drua’s capabilities, suggesting they will grow into a formidable force under Jackson’s leadership. He noted that the Drua are a “dangerous” team on any given day, pointing to the potential for improvement moving forward.
With a commitment to learning from the challenges faced this season, there remains a sense of hope within the Drua camp that the team can harness its talents to create a stronger showing in the seasons to come. Fans and supporters can look forward to witnessing how this young squad refines their performance as they continue their rugby journey.
This resilient spirit, coupled with supportive community backing, could indeed pave the way for the Drua to turn their fortunes around and establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.
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