The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua encountered a formidable challenge in their recent pre-season trial match against the Chiefs in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, suffering a 31-47 defeat. Despite the loss, head coach Glen Jackson expressed immense pride in his team, praising their hard work and resilience demonstrated throughout the game.
Coach Jackson acknowledged the tough playing conditions and commended his players for their defensive efforts against a motivated Chiefs side. “I’m really proud of the boys; we didn’t ease up in the week training-wise, so we knew it would be a tough game in the heat, but I thought they played really well defensively,” he stated.
He particularly highlighted the impactful performances of new recruits Temo Mayanavanua, Virimi Vakatawa, and Manasa Mataele, who made notable contributions on the field. Jackson remarked, “I thought our new players played extremely well; Virimi was good, Temo outstanding, and Manasa and Issac really brought in some good stuff,” acknowledging the significant roles of younger players like Harold Rounds as well.
At halftime, the Drua were trailing 21-33, with tries scored by Motikiai Murray, Ilaisa Droasese, Joe Tamani, and Iosefo Namoce. However, Jackson pointed out that discipline was a critical area needing attention, especially in terms of defensive goals, as “silly penalties” hindered their effectiveness during key moments of the match.
Looking forward, the Fijian Drua are set to return home to face the Skipper Select side in the much-anticipated ‘Battle of Fiji’ at Churchill Park in Lautoka next Friday. This match presents a valuable chance for the team to reflect on their experiences thus far and further refine their strategy as they continue their pre-season preparations. The upcoming fixture is an opportunity not only for improvement but also for the Drua to showcase their growth ahead of the season.