THE message from Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson this week has been simple and direct. Fight fire with fire.
After a disappointing opening-round loss to Moana Pasifika, the Drua are turning their focus firmly to tonight’s second-round clash of the Super Rugby Pacific season against the NSW Waratahs.
“They like to bring the contest to us and we’re going to bring the contest to them. And right from the beginning, it’s going to be a good battle in terms of how their forwards react, will be similar to how our forwards react.
“So big battle up front and we’ll put the pressure on our players to step up and give it everything,” Jackson said.
Jackson acknowledged the team’s defensive struggles in their last outing, pointing to the impact of tactical kicking and early pressure that put the side on the back foot.
“Yeah, obviously, like I said, we didn’t start well. And I think most of it was around Moana’s kicking. Had the wind behind them and kicked very well. And then it makes it difficult at times when there’s 50-22. So in terms of backfield, we’ve been working on that.
“Sometimes you’ve just got to take your hat off and say, well done. I think in terms of opposition, one of the kicks, especially from Havilli, was world class. It wouldn’t matter where you go.”
Despite the slow start, Jackson said the team showed resilience to fight back after conceding early tries last week.
“Yeah, like I said, they scored, three tries early. We just didn’t fire a shot in the first 20 minutes. And other than that, the game, like I said, we turned the game around. it’s really disappointing for everyone involved, the fans, everyone, how we started.
“Certainly as a squad, we’ve talked about that. Maybe they went in a bit complacent and thinking that it was just going to happen at Lautoka. And when you start a game like that, it’s very hard to come back. I was happy with how Temo kept them aside to bounce back from that.
“And again, to win the last three quarters is rewarding that at least we could fight back from that. But when you give a chance, a team that much head start, it’s hard to fight back from that.”
Jackson was also pleased with the leadership shown on the field when momentum shifted.
“Yeah we’re very happy with that.”
With lessons learned and intensity expected, the Drua will look to deliver a stronger start as they prepare for a tough battle at 8.35pm tonight.
