Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s hopes of reaching the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are on the line as they gear up for a must-win clash against the NSW Waratahs in Lautoka this Saturday.
Head coach Glen Jackson is rallying his side to bounce back from a 20-43 defeat to the Highlanders last weekend, a result that left them needing wins in their remaining games to stay in the race for a top eight finish.
“It’s important we take the learnings from the last game and put them into this one.
“We’re getting a bit tired of saying we should’ve won that game. This week is about fronting up.”
Jackson believes that despite the setbacks, his team still have a chance for top six.
“We win every game. It’s certainly a chance. We’re certainly not talking about there’s no chance, that’s for sure.
“It’s a competition that’s still wide open, everyone beating everyone. There’s plenty of blowout scores that are starting to happen. Like I said, just around fatigue, it’s certainly a competition that will go to the last minute. But this is a big game for us to prove, not only to ourselves but also to the supporters in this competition that we’re in it.
“You win this one and you can get on a roll. We’ve certainly been in teams before, playing and coaching that one win is all they need to get on a good roll,” Jackson explained.
Slow starts have been a recurring issue for the Drua, and Jackson knows they can’t afford another one.
“Most games, we haven’t started well,” he admitted.
“That’s certainly a focus this week, starting strong at home in Lautoka.”
Injury setbacks continue to challenge the squad. Frank Lomani and Ratu Meli Derenalagi are out for the season, while Caleb Muntz is sidelined with a shoulder injury. However, Kitione Salawa has returned to full fitness and is available for selection.
Jackson believes the narrow loss to the Waratahs in their last meeting in Sydney has given his players extra motivation.
“There’s a bit of payback motivation.
“The boys haven’t forgotten that game. We’re looking forward to showing our people that there are good young men in this team fighting hard.”
A vocal home crowd at Churchill Park is expected to lift the Drua, who must deliver to keep their finals hopes alive.
