AFTER another loss for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition against Moana Pasifika – head coach Glen Jackson admitted the 15-34 defeat was disappointing for its fans.
The team went down to their opponents last Saturday and Jackson shared those sentiments considering the side won 28-14 over the Waratahs last weekend in Lautoka.
“Mes (captain Mesulame Dolokoto) will know more than me, but to lose quite handsomely in the end is probably disappointing for Fijians,” Jackson told the press.
The coach reflected on how the team progressed throughout the season and noted the drop from their win in round 10 last week.
“We started the competition really well with three-plus losses to beat the Chiefs and then to come off the Waratahs and then today’s (Saturday’s) performance; this is the battle of the islands.”
During the clash against Moana, the Drua’s side of the scoresheet was barren at halftime, as points stood at 0-17.
After the breather, it was a contest of varying degree as the Drua tried to clinch a win while their opponents saw themselves right through to the tryline.
With a dominant show put on by the Ardie Savea led team, even coach Jackson credited him and the boys for the effort shown.
“You’ve got to take your hat off to Moana and for Ardie Savea again shows he’s been the best in Super Rugby; he has leadership and qualities that he brings to a young team,” he said.
He added while the Drua were a team of mostly young players, Savea’s experience has been a helpful aspect in Moana Pasifika’s development.
Meanwhile, the Drua now advance onto round 12 where they face the Queensland Reds this Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
