Coach Byrne Sorry Over Red Cards
“They (Rebels) came back full of energy and we probably got what we deserve in the second half,” the wily coach pointed out.
Friday 05 April 2024 | 23:40
Referee Damon Murphy dishes the red card on Fijian Drua prop Jone Koroiduadua at the AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia, on April 5, 2024. Photo: Stuff.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne says, there’s no excuse for the red cards in their 41-20 loss to the Rebels in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night.
The match was slipping away from the Drua when halfback Frank Lomani and replacement prop Jone Koroiduadua were sent off for separate incidents in the second half of their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash.
“I apologise to the people back home for the red cards,” said Byrne.
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Despite leading the Rebels 20-15, Byrne said they probably had lost the game just before halftime.
The Drua was then playing with 14-men after lock Leone Rotuisolia was yellow carded for a high tackle on Carter Gordon.
“They (Rebels) came back full of energy and we probably got what we deserve in the second half,” the wily coach pointed out.
Byrne said frustrations were the reasons behind the incidents and he is now looking for honest answers.
“It’s very costly and we need to work on our discipline and get our season back on track.”
Drua captain Meli Derenalagi said as a player the onus is on them on how to handle pressure.
The Drua is having a bye next weekend.
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