The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua suffered a 10-34 loss to the Blues in their opening game of the Super Rugby Pacific 2024. However, their head coach Mick Byrnes is optimistic and believes that there are many things they can work on to prepare for their upcoming match against Moana Pasifika.
“Each year we are taking a step forward and that’s our focus. We’re aiming for a home quarter-final so we gotta find 4 away wins. We have got to win away games too as much as we’re winning at home,” Byrnes said.
The loss was the Drua’s third consecutive defeat to the Auckland-based side since joining the competition in 2022. The Blues won the two previous encounters – 35-18 in 2022, and 30-14 in 2023.
Byrnes says they have a lot of work to do as they prepare for their next game against Moana.
“Work on our discipline and we need to carry the ball a little better. It was a disappointing first 25 minutes where we had chances but gave it away. It’s hard to chase a win against the Blues and they’re one of the favourites.”
“We have 5 academy players and Mesake Vocevoce has gone straight into the main squad.”
Byrnes said they would now work on improving in the next game which will be held at the AAMI Park in Melbourne at 6.05 pm against Pasifika brothers, Moana.
Photo: Fijian Drua
