On February 28, 2025, the NSW Waratahs managed to secure their unbeaten start to the Super Rugby Pacific season with a narrow 29-24 victory over the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The match was closely contested, with both teams exhibiting promising moments of skill and determination.
The Waratahs, led by coach Dan McKellar, were hungry to build upon their early season momentum after winning their previous two matches. Langi Gleeson emerged as a key player for the home side, featuring prominently throughout the match. He delivered two tries during the first half, showcasing his power and agility and demonstrating why he has become one of the standout players of the tournament.
"Langi Gleeson led the way during the first half with a decisive double," noted RugbyPass, underlining Gleeson's importance to the Waratahs' strategy and execution.
Despite their early successes, the Waratahs faced challenges. They were missing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, whose absence was felt deeply throughout the match. Suaalii, one of the newest Wallabies stars who transitioned from the NRL to rugby, had sustained a toe injury and was sidelined from this key fixture. His ability to create space and make impactful plays would have undoubtedly strengthened the Waratahs’ offensive efforts.
"Losing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii hurt the Waratahs... Not having someone of [Suaalii’s] calibre on the field would hurt any team," acknowledged sources from RugbyPass, reinforcing the sentiment prevalent among fans and commentators alike.
Nevertheless, the Waratahs adapted their game plan, with Andrew Kellaway shifting from wing to fullback, and Darby Lancaster and Max Jorgensen taking on new roles. The team managed to execute their traditional strength—rolling mauls—effectively, which positioned them for success during pivotal moments of the match.
The Drua, on the other hand, were still seeking their first win of the season after suffering losses in their previous outings. They entered the game with high hopes and the determination to upset the Waratahs, who had dominated their last encounter. Early on, the Drua’s flair and creativity were evident, as they sought to exploit any weaknesses they could find.
Despite their ambition, the Drua struggled to maintain consistency as the game progressed. Their efforts to create opportunities often fell short, as the Waratahs’ defense held firm. Nevertheless, the Drua's ability to make special things happen from seemingly nothing created several scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Both teams displayed contrasting styles, with the Waratahs favoring structured play, particularly through their physically dominant forwards, and the Drua exhibiting their characteristic unpredictability. The match atmosphere mirrored the intensity of Super Rugby, as thousands of fans cheered on both sides.
The competitive dynamic changed when the Drua managed to pressure the Waratahs, resulting inadvertently from defensive lapses from the home team. Players like Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who stepped up significantly as fly-half, showcased impressive poise and skill, adding to the Drua's effectiveness late in the game.
The encounters were fast-paced, and the humidity influenced players’ performances, causing fatigue to set in as the match neared its conclusion. The Waratahs continued to rely heavily on fresh legs off the bench to maintain their lead. Despite some impressive plays from the Drua, who effectively tested the Waratahs' resolve, they couldn't quite bridge the gap before the final whistle.
With the Waratahs having maintained their winning streak, they remain confident as they look toward future matchups. For the Drua, though, this defeat pushes them to the brink, leaving them with serious concerns as they have yet to secure any points this season. After three losses from as many starts, their hopes of playoff contention seem dim.
Super Rugby this season looks set to be even more challenging with only six playoff spots available. The Drua’s next fixture will be pivotal for their season; they must regroup quickly to defend their home field against the Chiefs. The Waratahs, buoyed by their recent successes, will aim to build on their performance, addressing their inconsistency and maximizing the talents of their star players to maintain their momentum as the tournament progresses.
While the season is still new, the inability of the Drua to clinch victories this early may prove costly as the competition heats up. Fans of the Drua will anxiously await how their side can bounce back, hoping for signs of resurgence against tougher opponents.