The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced a significant defeat, losing 15-52 to the Western Force during their match at HBF Park in Perth, Australia. Head coach Glen Jackson expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, revealing that their prolonged stay in Australia had hindered their preparation. Following the loss, Jackson remarked that the eight-day training stint felt more like a holiday rather than a focused rugby preparation.
Recognizing the disconnect, Jackson noted, “The boys weren’t focused enough on rugby during this time,” and emphasized the need for the team to improve their ability to prepare when away from home, as they continue to struggle in away games. After flying to Perth post their earlier loss to the ACT Brumbies, Jackson admitted that this travel schedule affected their mental readiness.
The Drua’s performance was notably lacking in discipline, struggling to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Despite scoring efforts in the second half from players like Taniela Rakuro and Etonia Waqa, the team found the Western Force too strong, leading to what Jackson described as one of their heaviest losses in Super Rugby history.
Looking forward, the team will utilize their bye week to regroup and reassess strategies ahead of their upcoming match against the formidable Crusaders on April 5 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Jackson is optimistic that through focused training and the unwavering support from their fans, the Drua can make the necessary adjustments to turn their season around, illustrating their potential for improvement.
This challenging phase may ultimately serve as a wake-up call for the Drua, prompting them to return to the basics and harness their strengths as they approach the remainder of the season. Fans remain hopeful for a turnaround as the team seeks to capitalize on their home advantage and reinstate their competitive spirit in the Super Rugby Pacific.
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