Jackson aims for consistency

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are aiming to be consistent as they prepare to face the Queensland Reds in tomorrow’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Head coach Glen Jackson said the team had shown encouraging growth in recent seasons but must remain grounded.

“Like you can’t (be inconsistent). There’s no way you can. And if you do, you get smacked in the face,” Jackson said.

“It’s certainly important that these boys understand that. We keep saying it — we’re not in the top six. We haven’t done anything. We’ve just won a game of rugby. We’ve won two and lost two. That’s the record and that’s where we’re at.

“So it’s important that we drive standards, drive our values, and keep striving to be better each week.”

Jackson highlighted the consistency of the tight five and praised the performances of lock Isoa Nasilasila.

He also commended halfback Frank Lomani for his leadership.

“His defence is great,” Jackson said.

Flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 21, has scored more than 200 points in the competition an achievement Jackson described as remarkable.

Utility back Isikeli Rabitu has also impressed Jackson at centre.

“For a young man, he’s only 21,” he said.

He added winger Tuidraki Samusamuvodre has stepped up in the squad, particularly in terms of leadership while fullback Ilaisa Droasese has been another standout performer so far.

“I’ve always talked about him (Droasese) being a world-class No.15. He was a world-class 15 at the World Cup. He’s fit, he’s hungry, and he’s going well,” Jackson said.

Veteran television rugby commentator Greg Clark said the Drua were now showing the confidence to match top-level teams.

“I’m just liking the fact that these guys now — if you were to pick an all-round team, they would put their hand up. I didn’t see that every year for the Drua,” Clark said.

“They’re playing with confidence and they’re tough to beat at home.”