The Fijian Drua are making a strong statement in their Round 10 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the NSW Waratahs, leading 18-7 at halftime in Lautoka. After a rocky start to the season, the Drua are showing resilience, capitalizing on the Waratahs' errors and taking advantage of their home ground.
The match kicked off with Drua fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula scoring the first points just two minutes in with a penalty, giving his team an early 3-0 lead after the Waratahs were penalized for offside. The Drua's confidence grew as they continued to apply pressure, with their forwards dominating the scrums and lineouts.
In the fifth minute, the Waratahs attempted to attack but lost possession due to a hard tackle from the Drua. The home side quickly regained control and launched a series of attacks, culminating in a try by flanker Motikai Murray in the 22nd minute, extending their lead to 13-0. Murray sliced through the Waratahs' defense, showcasing the Drua's determination to turn their season around.
The Waratahs finally broke through in the 25th minute when Langi Gleeson scored their first try, narrowing the gap to 13-7. Gleeson made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, diving over the line after a well-executed rolling maul.
However, the Drua responded swiftly, with Ponipate Longanimasi scoring in the 38th minute, pushing the lead back to 18-7. The Drua's attack was relentless, with Etonia Waqa causing havoc in the Waratahs' defense, setting up Longanimasi's try with a brilliant assist.
As the teams headed into the second half, the Waratahs were struggling to find cohesion, hampered by a series of errors. Reserve hooker Julian Heaven, who replaced Ethan Dobbins, had a shaky start, missing his first lineout attempt by a meter. The Waratahs' coach, McKellar, expressed his disappointment over the lack of execution, stating, "We need to be more clinical if we want to compete."
The Drua, sitting at the bottom of the ladder with only one win this season, are desperate for a victory after a disappointing 43-20 loss to the Highlanders last week. They have made significant changes to their lineup, with Isikeli Rabitu starting at fullback in place of Caleb Muntz, and co-captain Iosefo Masi ruled out due to injury. Despite these setbacks, the Drua have shown resilience and are aiming to protect their impressive seven-game winning streak at home.
The Waratahs, on the other hand, came into this match with high spirits after an upset victory against the Chiefs, but they have yet to secure an away win this season. With key players like Angus Bell, Rob Leota, and Taniela Tupou rested, the team is relying on their depth to turn the tide. McKellar noted, "This doesn’t weaken our team at all. It provides opportunity, excitement, and real enthusiasm."
As the second half unfolds, the pressure is mounting on the Waratahs to find their rhythm and claw back the deficit. The Drua's defense has been solid, and they are looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Waratahs. With the score at 18-7, the Waratahs have a steep hill to climb if they wish to secure their first away win of the season.
Fans are eagerly watching as the match progresses, with live updates available through various platforms. The Drua’s clash with the Waratahs is not just a game; it’s a crucial moment for both teams as they navigate the challenges of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
