‘Unacceptable performances’: Drua boss calls for unity ahead of home stand

Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans has called on fans to bring the noise as the team looks to bounce back from some “unacceptable performances” in Super Rugby Pacific. While the Drua sit in last place on the ladder, their three upcoming home games could change that.

After starting their season with three consecutive losses by five points or less, the Drua snapped their losing run against the ladder-leading Chiefs. But Fijians have only managed one more win since, which was a 14-point win over the Waratahs on April 19.

With their finals hopes hanging in the balance, the Drua took on Moana Pasifika last Saturday in a ‘Battle of the Pacific’ at Albany’s North Harbour Stadium. While the Fijians showed signs of promise, Moana always seemed to be in control, winning 34-15.

The Fijians are 11 points behind the sixth-placed Western Force on the ladder, so they’d need an incredible run of results to qualify for the playoffs. But whether they make the post-season or not, the Drua are focused on doing their fans proud over the coming weeks.

“None of us here are pleased with our season to date. It’s been patchy with a couple of really good wins against quality, top six opposition; a couple of frankly really poor, unacceptable performances and quite a few decent efforts when we’ve come out on just the wrong side of the scoreline,” Evans said in a video on the Drua’s Facebook page.

 

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“But overall, all of us are unhappy with the recent results so far.

“I know many of you are feeling deflated but I’d urge you to keep the faith because you know, the people of Fiji are no strangers to hardship and challenge and they know that when tough times come, they must be faced head on.

“The key point is to stick together by which I mean everybody: players, coaches, staff, sponsors, and most importantly, the fans, all need to stay committed and positive. I’m totally convinced that we will look back in years to come and see this period as a short-term, temporary loss of momentum.”

The Drua return to Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon, where they’ll host the Reds who are coming off a clinical win over the Blues in Brisbane. Tom Lynagh was especially impressive as the Queenslanders knocked off the defending champions 35-21.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

24

28

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

80%

Rugby fans in Suva will get the chance to watch the Blues in action the following week, with the Drua playing another round-robin match at that venue before taking on the Western Force at Lautoka’s Churchill Park the following weekend.

In their last match of the regular season, the Drua will make the trip to Australia where they’ll face the Reds for the second time in four starts. But before then, Evans has called on Drua supporters to be their “enthusiastic and joyful selves.”

“We all know a team feeds off its crowd and nowhere is that more true than in Fiji,” Evans added.

“It’s why so few teams, even those of excellent quality, consistently win here in our homeland.

“To all the fans out there, I would say this: turn up in your numbers over the next three weeks in Suva and Lautoka… be your usual loud, enthusiastic and joyful selves.

“This is a tough competition which isn’t over yet.”