‘Pathetic’ Drua needs to get back to winning ways

It was an embarrassment for the Fijian Drua when they were soundly beaten 40-26 by Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific opener at Churchill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday.

The Fijians were simply outsmarted, outmuscled and outplayed by their opponents, in front of their loyal fans. What a shame!

While the Moana Pasifika side continued with their momentum from the 2025 season, the same cannot be said for the Drua.

Nothing was done about fixing the Drua’s poor defensive structure, which was evident from last season. In this opening match, six tries were scored against them and we should expect more if it is not addressed quickly. And if that is not enough the Drua lineout have gone from bad to worse.

The Glen Jackson-coached side needs to do a lot of soul searching in the next few days if they are to get their campaign back on track.

The next challenge is to end their Super Rugby Pacific’s ‘away game’ losing streak.

That is what they are facing on Friday, when they take on the NSW Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia.

It was Saturday, February 23, 2023, the Drua had registered their last away win. The venue was at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, when nippy winger Taniela Rakuro scored the try that mattered, as they came from behind to beat Moana Pasifika 36-34.

From then on, there has been no away wins, although they came close a number of occasions, only to be denied in the end.

The Waratahs are no pushover after their 36-12 win over Reds last Friday night.

However, nothing is impossible for the Drua despite the mammoth task ahead of them.

It’s a matter of getting their acts together and make use of all opportunities that come their way. They’ve got to make it count or else it will be another disappointing journey.