The Waikato Chiefs shrugged off an early scare to beat the Fijian Drua 42-22, turning the contest around after an explosive opening from the visitors and taking control through forward dominance and clinical finishing. Tight-head prop Mesake Doge gave the Drua the perfect start when he powered over for a try just three minutes into the match, but the Chiefs responded and never looked back.
Once settled, the Chiefs set the tempo with scrum superiority that earned them a string of penalties. They used territory well, kicking for touch and executing precise lineouts before finishing several drives with rolling maul scores. Number eight Wallace Sititi was the hard-running enforcer of the pack, repeatedly forcing the Drua to focus on nullifying his carries and creating front-foot momentum for Waikato.
In the backline, Quinn Tupaea tested the Drua defence through the midfield with tidy carries, while Manasa Mataele produced a strong performance on the right wing — reliable under the high ball and effective in defence. A turning moment came close to halftime when Chiefs fullback Ilaisa Droasese seized on a grubber from inside the Drua 22 to set up an easy score, leaving Waikato 28-10 at the break and in a position to shut down the visitors after the interval.
The Drua showed renewed energy from the bench. Replacement Kaiava Tagivetaua was singled out for his accurate lineout throwing and powerful carrying, giving the visitors go-forward at set-piece and in open play. Simione Kuruvoli, brought on for Frank Lomani, made an immediate impact around the rucks, helping quicken ball delivery and tidy up phases. Front-rowers Elia Canakaivata and Isoa Nasilasila also steadied the scrum platform when introduced.
Despite that second-half injection, the Drua's attempted comeback in the final 20 minutes could not overturn Waikato's lead. The Chiefs absorbed the pressure, held their defensive line and capitalised on possession to extend their advantage, ultimately sealing the match 42-22.
The result underscores the Chiefs’ forward strength and set-piece execution, while the Drua will take encouragement from moments of impact from their bench — particularly Tagivetaua and Kuruvoli — as they regroup from the loss.