Glen Jackson, the Head Coach of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, has expressed concerns over the officiating in their recent Super Rugby Pacific match against the Brumbies, which ended in a 38-21 defeat for his team. Following the match, Jackson reflected on key refereeing decisions he feels affected the Drua’s performance.
While acknowledging that the loss cannot be attributed solely to referee calls, Jackson highlighted critical moments of the game that he believes deserve further examination. One significant incident occurred in the 26th minute when Drua’s Ponipate Loganimasi was tackled during a chip-and-chase attempt. Jackson argued that this should have resulted in a penalty and a yellow card for Brumbies fullback Tom Wright.
Jackson’s concerns extended beyond this match, as he recalled another instance from a previous game where a controversial decision led to a lost opportunity for the Drua near their try line. He expressed frustration over the inconsistency of officiating, stating, “We’re under pressure at the goal line but did not receive the rewards our players deserved.”
Despite these challenges, Jackson and his team remain optimistic as they prepare for their next match against the league-leading Chiefs, determined to secure their first win of the season. The coach emphasized the resilience of his players, particularly noting the potential of younger talents like Loganimasi.
Recent coverage has also highlighted the Drua’s focus on mental resilience during this tough stretch, shifting the narrative from officiating issues toward improving their overall performance. Although they have faced three successive losses, the spirit within the team is strong, buoyed by the unwavering support of their fans who are eager to see their hard work pay off.
As the Drua get ready for their upcoming match in Lautoka, there is a sense of hope that they can leverage their fighting spirit and experiences thus far into a much-needed victory. With the right preparation and their loyal fan base rallying behind them, optimism remains that the Drua can translate their competitive edge into positive results moving forward.
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