We believed in our boys: Jackson

The victory against the Hurricanes last Saturday was not a must-win match for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.

Head coach Glen Jackson said it was about believing in his players. 

Jackson named the Saturday’s side without its star signings including Temo Mayanavanua, Manasa Mataele and Virimi Vakatawa. Mayanavanua will be out for six weeks following an injury during the Waratahs game in their Shop N Save round two match in Sydney. 

“I know in terms of where we’re at in the table, and the media talks about it a lot, it never came across as a must-win for us,” Jackson said. 

“It was about realising how good our young men are and just playing a performance that you’re proud of. 

“If we can do that and look after the ball, defensively I thought they were unbelievable. Like I said, the Hurricanes are quality outfit, coached unbelievably well.”

He added the Hurricanes defended well against Moana Pasifika in their round 2 clash where they won, 52-10. 

“To defend them (Hurricanes) like they did, and with some doubt around our performances in the last couple of weeks around, just shows you how this group’s gone from year to year. 

“But also our leadership group and our leaders being able to step up at the right times and putting some phenomenal tackles.”

Drua captain also acknowledged the Drua fans who were at Churchill Park despite the rain. 

Five minutes before full time the fans erupted with the song “Vanua Domoni, Na Naoqu Vanua” as the Drua defended until the final whistle. 

“One thing this team is grateful for, is our supporters. 

“They turn up every time we have our home game. That’s one thing we really love, them getting behind us, especially what we just witnessed out there.

“Five minutes, they were just one try away. Anything can happen. With those kinds of energy, that really shifted and changed the momentum of the game.” 

The Drua will host the Brumbies next Saturday in Ba.