Drua’s Setback: Can the Team Rebound from Crushing Defeat?

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson has acknowledged the difficulties his team faced in preparing for their recent match against the Western Force, culminating in a disappointing 52-15 defeat. Jackson reflected on the eight-day training stint in Perth, stating it felt more like a holiday than a serious preparation effort for the crucial clash.

“We’ve been here for eight days, and it’s clear the boys weren’t focused enough on rugby during this time,” Jackson remarked, emphasizing the need for improvement in the team’s ability to prepare away from home. Following this humbling loss, one of their heaviest in Super Rugby history, the coach insists that introspection and adaptations to their training regimen are vital.

The Drua’s performance was notably lacking, as they struggled with discipline and capitalizing on opportunities. Despite efforts to rally in the second half with tries from Taniela Rakuro and Etonia Waqa, they consistently fell short against a dominant Western Force that led 33-5 at halftime.

In the wake of this setback, the Drua have a bye week to regroup and strategize ahead of their upcoming match against the formidable Crusaders, scheduled to take place at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on April 5. Jackson sees this bye week as a significant opportunity for the team to reassess their approach and reinforce the fundamental aspects of their rugby.

Despite the recent defeat, there is a sense of hope and potential for future improvement. Previous performances in the season have shown promise, and with renewed focus and better preparation, Jackson believes that the Drua can turn their fortunes around. The support from their passionate fanbase may also play a crucial role in reigniting the team’s competitive spirit as they work towards reclaiming success in the Super Rugby Pacific.

Fans will be looking forward to witnessing how the Drua respond to this challenge, and many remain optimistic that with hard work and determination, the team can elevate their performance and navigate through this challenging phase of the season.