THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua paid dearly for playing catch-up rugby in their 26-40 defeat to Moana Pasifika last weekend, exposing a critical need to start matches stronger and take control from the outset.
Captain Temo Mayanavanua was upfront about the lessons learned, stressing that relying on late chances is no longer an option.
“We need to start strong. We can’t be relying on a try or a penalty to wake us up. Taking the initiative and controlling the game from the start is something that’s fully within our power,” he said. Head coach Glen Jackson highlighted how early disruptions and stoppages broke the team’s rhythm, making it difficult to build momentum.
“It felt like an NFL game with constant stops. We didn’t get the start we wanted,” Jackson said.
The bench players provided a bright spot, with Jackson commending Sikeli Rabitu, Frank Lomani, and young Isoa Tuwai for their energy and impact.
“Sikeli did a solid job coming on, Frank brought a lot of energy, and Tuwai was outstanding in the back row. They nearly turned the tide — we were just one pass away from scoring the winning try,” he added.
With only three days before their next match, the Drua leadership is focused on learning from this experience and ensuring they don’t fall behind early again.
“Our focus now is on starting strong, keeping disciplined, and making sure we don’t have to chase the game,” Mayanavanua said.
The Drua’s next match is against the Waratahs on Friday, 8.30pm at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
