Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has voiced his frustration following his team’s dismal 52-15 loss to the Western Force in Perth, describing the performance as if “the boys were on a holiday for 8 days.” The defeat, one of the heaviest in the team’s history, has raised significant concerns about the squad’s preparation and mental approach as they continue their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
A Deflating Loss in Perth
The match, played at HBF Park, saw the Drua overwhelmed by a relentless Western Force side that exploited defensive lapses and capitalized on Drua’s errors. From the outset, the Force dominated possession and territory, leaving the Drua scrambling to contain their attack. Despite occasional flashes of attacking brilliance, the Drua’s defensive frailties and lack of discipline proved costly, allowing the Force to cross the try line repeatedly.
By halftime, the Force had built a commanding 24-3 lead, leaving the Drua with an uphill battle in the second half. While they managed to add two tries through impressive individual efforts, the damage was already done. The Force continued to pile on points, ultimately running away with a 37-point margin victory.
Jackson’s Blunt Assessment
Glen Jackson did not mince words in his post-match analysis, expressing his disappointment with the team’s attitude and application throughout the game. The former All Black turned coach was visibly frustrated with the lack of intensity and focus displayed by his players.
“It’s disappointing, and it felt like the boys were on a holiday for 8 days,” Jackson said after the match. “We prepared well leading into this fixture, but that performance was nowhere near the standards we set for ourselves. There was no urgency in our defense, and we gave away far too many opportunities. You can’t win games at this level playing like that.”
Jackson’s comments reflect growing concerns that the Drua’s inconsistency could jeopardize their chances of making a serious impact in the competition. After showing promise in earlier rounds, this defeat has highlighted ongoing issues with discipline, game management, and defensive cohesion.
Missed Opportunities and Defensive Woes
The Drua’s attacking game, often their greatest weapon, failed to fire against a well-organized Force defense. Despite their reputation for expansive rugby, the Drua struggled to create sustained pressure, with handling errors and poor decision-making killing any momentum.
Defensively, the Drua were exposed time and again by the Force’s dynamic attacking play. Missed tackles, poor defensive alignment, and lapses in concentration contributed to the heavy scoreline. Jackson highlighted these defensive lapses as a key area for concern moving forward.
“You can’t expect to compete when you’re missing tackles and giving the opposition easy meters,” Jackson emphasized. “Our defensive structure was all over the place, and we need to take a hard look at ourselves. There’s no excuse for that kind of performance.”
A Wake-Up Call for the Drua
This defeat comes at a critical juncture in the Drua’s season, with the team looking to build momentum and push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Super Rugby Pacific competition. Jackson acknowledged that the result should serve as a wake-up call for the squad, who must now regroup and refocus ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
“We’ve got to move on from this, but not without taking some hard lessons,” Jackson said. “There’s still a long way to go in the season, and we need to show character in how we respond. We’ve got the talent, but we have to match that with the right attitude and intensity.”
Tough Road Ahead
The Drua’s path doesn’t get any easier, with crucial fixtures against top-tier teams on the horizon. Jackson and his coaching staff will need to work closely with the players to address the glaring issues that surfaced in Perth. Improved discipline, sharper execution, and a renewed defensive focus will be essential if the Drua are to turn their season around.
The team’s loyal fanbase, known for its passionate support, will be hoping for a swift response from the squad. With the Super Rugby Pacific season entering a decisive phase, the Drua cannot afford another performance as lackluster as the one against the Force.
Time for Redemption
As the dust settles on this heavy defeat, Jackson’s words will undoubtedly resonate within the Drua camp. His blunt assessment serves as both a challenge and a reminder to the players that they must take ownership of their performances. With talent in abundance, the Fijian Drua have the potential to bounce back and make their mark on the competition, but only if they can match that potential with consistency and commitment.
“The boys need to take this personally,” Jackson concluded. “We owe it to ourselves, our fans, and our families to be better. There’s no shortcut to success, and it starts with showing up and putting in the hard work. That’s the only way forward.”
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Drua can respond to Jackson’s challenge and rediscover the form that made them a formidable force in Super Rugby Pacific. For now, the message is clear—there’s no room for complacency.
