Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson is voicing his concerns regarding officiating following his team’s recent defeat against the Brumbies, which ended with a score of 38-21. Drawing from his unique experience as both a former Super Rugby player and an international referee, Jackson highlighted specific officiating decisions he believes adversely affected the outcome of the match.
“After a chip-and-chase, if the last defender leads with a shoulder and it’s a penalty, that should warrant a yellow card as well. We’ve faced similar situations before where our opponents were penalized harshly for less,” Jackson remarked, reflecting on a recent loss due to a collapsed maul. He expressed frustration over the perceived inconsistency in officiating, mentioning that they pressured the Brumbies at the goal line but did not receive the rewards he believed the players earned.
Despite the disappointing result, Jackson praised the resilience and leadership of his co-captains, Frank Lomani and Tevita Ikanivere, and pointed out that the team had prepared well for this match. The Drua are now set to face the Western Force next weekend in Perth for round six of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Drua have faced challenges this season, including three consecutive losses, but their spirit remains high. Jackson has emphasized the importance of mental resilience and determined focus, urging his players not to dwell on referee decisions but to channel their energy into improving performance on the field.
Moving forward, there is optimism surrounding the Drua as they strive for their first victory of the season. They have shown potential in their lineup, with promising young players like Ponipate Loganimasi emerging as key contributors. Supported by their passionate fan base, there’s a palpable hope that the Drua can build on their experiences and efforts to turn their season around, aligning their strong performances with results in the coming matches.
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