The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side prepares for their crucial match against the Brumbies, the coach believes on the need for improved discipline on the field not just in terms of penalties but also in how the players communicate with referees.
Acknowledging past struggles with officiating, he believes maintaining composure and adjusting their approach to refereeing decisions will be critical to securing a strong result.
“I know we’ve got an open line around the officiating and around the people that run it. I think it’s been documented by the media around some things that haven’t gone our way,” he said.
However, he also praised the officials’ performance in their last match against Chiefs.
“They did a really good job on the weekend. Their team of three did a really good job,” he said.
A key area of focus has been reducing penalties, which the coach believes can make the difference between winning and losing.
“If we go away like we did on the weekend, eight penalties, I think that makes a big difference around whether we win or lose,” he said.
Beyond limiting penalties, the coach is calling for smarter communication from his captains to ensure they gain the respect of match officials.
With the Brumbies coming off a strong performance and playing at home, the team understands that discipline will play a crucial role in their ability to stay competitive. A well-managed game could tip the balance in their favor.
“We just got to carry on with like you said, we’re in a position now that with our three bonus points and a win, we want to carry on,” he said.
With a full-strength squad and confidence from recent matches, the team is ready to take on the challenge. But for them to succeed, staying disciplined and earning the trust of referees could be the game-changer.
