Glen Jackson, the coach of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, has spoken candidly about the challenges his team encountered leading up to their recent match against the Western Force, which ended in a tough 52-15 loss. Reflecting on their eight-day training session in Perth, Jackson noted that the atmosphere felt more like a holiday than serious preparation, indicating a disconnect that affected the team’s focus on rugby.
“The boys weren’t focused enough on rugby during this time,” Jackson stated, recognizing the necessity for the team to enhance their preparation when away from home. This defeat marked one of the heaviest in the Drua’s Super Rugby history, prompting Jackson to stress the importance of introspection and modification of their training methodologies.
The Drua’s performance was especially lacking in discipline, and they struggled to take advantage of scoring opportunities. Although they attempted to recover in the second half with tries from Taniela Rakuro and Etonia Waqa, the Western Force maintained a commanding lead of 33-5 at halftime, making it a formidable challenge for the Drua to catch up.
As the team heads into a bye week, Jackson views this time as a crucial opportunity for reflection and strategic realignment before their next game against the powerful Crusaders, scheduled for April 5 at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This break allows the Drua to reassess their tactics and reinforce basic rugby principles, a necessary step after such a significant setback.
While the recent loss is discouraging, there is a palpable sense of hope for improvement. The Drua have demonstrated potential in earlier matches this season, and with a renewed focus and proper preparation, Jackson expresses confidence in their ability to overcome this hurdle. The unwavering support from their dedicated fanbase could also serve as a vital catalyst in reinvigorating the team’s competitive spirit as they strive for success in the Super Rugby Pacific.
Fans remain hopeful and eager to see how the Drua will respond, believing that through hard work and determination, the team can elevate their performance and navigate this challenging period positively.
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