The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua endured a disappointing loss against the ACT Brumbies, finishing the match 21-38 in Canberra on Friday night. After the game, head coach Glen Jackson and captain Frank Lomani expressed their frustrations over critical referee decisions that they believe impacted the outcome.
Jackson, visibly upset, admitted that despite a solid preparation, discipline issues in the first half put the Drua at a disadvantage. He specifically pointed out a chip and chase situation involving Ponipate Loganimasi, arguing that it should have resulted in a penalty and potential yellow card for the Brumbies’ Tom Wright. Reflecting on past matches, he noted, “We’ve seen similar situations go against us that cost us games,” highlighting a pattern of inconsistent officiating that has affected the team.
Although the Drua started strong, their game was hampered by penalties and several Head Injury Assessments (HIAs), which Jackson described as detrimental to their tempo. “It’s tough to speed up the game with so many stoppages,” he stated, indicating that such interruptions disrupt a team’s flow.
Lomani supported Jackson’s viewpoint, emphasizing that essential decisions swayed the match’s direction. “We came here to win and felt we had the momentum early on,” he commented. Both leaders stressed the need to focus on their performance rather than let officiating frustrations overshadow their efforts.
Despite the setback and an ongoing tough record against the Brumbies, the Drua found positives in individual performances from players like Lomani and Tevita Ikanivere. Jackson praised his team’s perseverance and highlighted the importance of resilience as they look ahead to their next game against the Western Force.
As they progress in the Super Rugby Pacific season, the Drua remain optimistic about building on their strengths and learning from their recent experiences. The unwavering support from their dedicated fan base continues to inspire the team as they aim to convert promising performances into much-needed victories.
Leave a comment