The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua now face an uphill battle to keep their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive following a 21–6 defeat to the Queensland Reds.
The loss makes the Drua outside the top six, with just two wins from six matches as the competition enters a crucial stage of the season.
Under the current format, only the top six teams progress to the finals, with the number one side facing sixth, second taking on fifth and third meeting fourth in the opening round of the playoffs.
While Drua remain within reach of the playoff spots, their margin for error has narrowed significantly after the home defeat.
They will need to maximise their remaining home fixtures while also improving their record on the road, an area that has proven difficult in previous seasons.
Their upcoming schedule includes tough encounters against the Blues, Crusaders, Western Force, ACT Brumbies, Chiefs, Highlanders and NSW Waratahs, making consistency key in the weeks ahead.
Mathematically, winning home games alone may not be enough, with at least a couple of away victories likely required to push into the top six.
Head coach Glen Jackson has maintained a relatively settled lineup in recent weeks, but the side’s inability to convert scoring opportunities and maintain possession proved costly against the Reds.
Captain Frank Lomani continues to lead the side, with the Drua expected to regroup quickly as they prepare for a challenging away fixture in the next round.
With the season entering a decisive phase, the Drua must now respond strongly, as their hopes of reaching the finals hang in the balance.
The Drua will go up against Blues in Auckland this Saturday at 6.05pm.
Source: fijivillage/RNZ
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