Drua Must Play Consistently
To play consistently week in and week out during the Super Rugby Pacific has been a learning experience for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side.
This was highlighted by Drua head coach Mick Byrne as they prepare to face Crusaders at the Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch on Friday.
“We lost badly to Hurricanes after coming on a high the week before,” he said.
“Then we bounced back to beat Moana Pasifika last weekend. In their debut year, the Drua boys are learning on the business side of things and that is to do the job. It’s about professionalism.
“They are still learning the lesson and in every game they just need to keep trying and get as many points on the board.”
Stand-in captain Meli Derederenlagi said the big loss to the Hurricanes had really upset them and they worked twice as hard for the Moana Pasifika game.
Byrne said for the Crusaders game they need to slow down the game as they have a fast backline.
He highlighted the hosts would be ruthless in the breakdown area but they need to hold on to the ball.
The match kicks off at 7.05pm.
13 more years for Robertson
Meanwhile, Crusaders head coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson has spent time reflecting on his personal journey in life and rugby as well.
After unprecedented success at age grade, domestic then Super Rugby level, Robertson was favoured by many to take over the reins as All Blacks head coach after Sir Steve Hansen’s departure post the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The New Zealand Rugby panel at the time elected to go with then assistant coach Ian Foster for the top job and Robertson speaking to Izzy & Kempy For Breakfast on SENZ explained what ripples that decision has had on him personally.
“I reckon I’m a way better coach than I was three years ago … when you lose the game you reflect, when you don’t get the job you reflect a lot more,” Robertson explained.
It might not have been a popular decision with New Zealand rugby fans but for himself personally, Robertson has found plenty of reasons to take a glass half full approach on the life altering non-appointment.
“I think I’m in a better place because I understand what my role is a bit more and who I am,” the 47-yearold admitted.
On the subject of age, Robertson also offered perspective about where he sees himself in the scheme of his full coaching lifespan.
“I’ll go to 60, I’m only 47 so I’ve got 13 more years of growth.”