Byrne happy with Fijian Drua’s performance against Waratahs

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne says he is proud of the way the players approached their game against the NSW Waratahs in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash last night despite the 46-17 loss.

Byrne says he felt the boys did what they needed to do but the circumstances got the better of them.

He says after the first half, the boys regrouped and came out firing in the second half but it was simple mistakes and injury setbacks that occurred that were the turning points in the game.

He further says there are challenges for the coaches as well in dealing with the players’ welfare but the boys came out and gave the Waratahs a good game.

The Fijian Drua had to be reduced to 13 men later in the game because of injuries to captain Tevita Ikanivere and two other props and there was no substitute for the front rows after substitute hooker Zuriel Togiatama was yellow carded.

Captain Tevita Ikanivere says he was disappointed he had to leave the match early in the second half.

He says he wanted to stay on but unfortunately injury had the best of him.

He adds there were a lot of positives that the team came out with from that game and they will be looking to improve on some areas before their clash against the Crusader at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in other Super Rugby matches today, the Blues will take on the Brumbies at 3pm while Reds will play Western Force at 5.30pm.

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