Glenn Jackson backs Drua to deliver in Perth

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have been drilled to start strongly against the Western Force in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Round 15 clash at HBF Park tomorrow night in Perth.

“We just want to start well because it was a horrible start against the Waratahs last week and that really hurt us. The second half showed what we can do when we play our style of rugby,” Fijian Drua head coach Glenn Jackson said yesterday.

While the team is confident heading into the crucial away match, Jackson pointed to their Round 10 win against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium as proof they can perform on the road.

“We have travelled well and had good training here in Perth, and the victory against the Brumbies gave us confidence that we can win this away game at HBF Park,” he said.

Jackson acknowledged the disappointment of last week’s result but said the players had taken responsibility and were eager to respond.

“The players understood that it was not the performance we were after in such a crucial game,” he said.

“We want to go out and play some good, fast rugby and keep the ball in hand.”

The Drua will be without co-captain Frank Lomani, who suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s match.

“He has a 10-centimetre hamstring tear, so that’s the reason he’s not here. Otherwise, he definitely would have been part of this match,” Jackson said.

With playoff hopes still alive, Jackson said the team’s focus remained on winning rather than chasing bonus points.

“We just want to win the game. If bonus points come, it’s because we have played well. There is still plenty to play for, but first we need to look after ourselves and give everything on Saturday,” he said.

He added the team was motivated to finish the season strongly and deliver a performance for fans in Perth and back home in Fiji.

The match kicks off at 9.30pm Fiji time.