Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson is urging his players to believe in their ability and finish the season strongly, despite a tough campaign and dwindling hopes of making the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs.
With four matches remaining, Jackson says the focus is on clean execution, discipline, and playing for national pride.
He highlighted the high number of turnovers in their loss to Moana Pasifika as a key area for improvement.
“It’s been obviously a year that’s been a tough Super Rugby. We had clean opportunities against Moana, as we have every single game, but 19 turnovers means that you don’t win games. So it’s important the boys start realising how good they can be once they believe in them-selves and hang onto the ball. Like I said, we want to just make sure that we can do that for the crowd this week.”
While a spot in the top six now appears unlikely for the Fijian Drua, head coach Glen Jackson has not ruled out a late push for the playoffs.
He said the team’s focus is on collecting the maximum 16 points available from their final three matches, which could keep them in contention de-pending on other results.
Jackson has made bold adjustments to his backline for this weekend’s Round 12 clash against the Queensland Reds in Suva, naming Vuate Karawalevu at outside centre and shifting Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula to fullback.
Sharpshooter Kemu Valetini earns the nod at flyhalf, forming a new halves combination with Simione Kuruvoli at scrumhalf, as the Drua look to spark their attack heading into the final rounds of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
Jackson has also gone with a forward-heavy 6–2 bench split, with co-captain Tevita Ikanivere listed among the reserves while experienced tight-head Mesake Doge will lead the side as captain from the front row.
Among the forwards, Peni Ravai will face his former club at loosehead prop, alongside Doge and Zuriel Togiatama in the front row. Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila form the locking pair, while Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, and Kitione Salawa make up the loose forward trio.
In the backline, Taniela Rakuro and Selestino Ravutaumada retain their wing spots, while Inia Tabuavou pairs up with Karawalevu in midfield. Armstrong-Ravula shifts to fullback after a string of appearances in the No.10 jersey.
The bench includes Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, and Elia Canakaivata for forward cover.
Former Suva Grammar duo Philip Baselala and Isikeli Rabitu round out the backline replacements.
Kick-off for the Drua vs Reds clash is at 2:05pm at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, followed by the Vodafone Fijiana’s first international Test of the year against the Wallaroos at 5pm.
