The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua aimed for a strong performance against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney, but they ultimately faced their largest defeat to the Tahs in three years. After a promising start, leading 10-7 in the first half, several errors and scrum penalties allowed the Waratahs to reclaim the lead at halftime with a score of 14-10.
Despite hopes that the Drua’s substitutes could ignite a turnaround, the second half saw the Waratahs score three additional tries, concluding the match with a decisive 36-13 victory. The Drua’s struggles to capitalize on scoring opportunities were particularly disappointing, as they managed to score only one try throughout the match. There were noticeable restrictions in their gameplay, deviating from the free-flowing style they are known for. Head Coach Glen Jackson expressed the need for his players to adopt a more spontaneous approach to rugby.
As the team prepares to host the Hurricanes, Jackson remains optimistic despite the winless start to the season. He emphasized the importance of not applying too much pressure on the squad at this early stage of the competition. Meanwhile, Hurricanes’ Coach Clarke Laidlaw noted his squad’s readiness for the challenging conditions in Lautoka, drawing from their pre-season preparations.
The Hurricanes have demonstrated formidable performance in recent games, including a dominant win over Moana where they scored eight tries from 16 line breaks. All Black center Jordy Barrett, who played an exceptional match last week, will be a key figure in their attack.
For the Drua, the inclusion of center Isikeli Rabitu, who earned the Player of the Match award in Sydney, is promising. However, Rabitu will need to maintain that standard against Barrett, who is set to play his 113th match for the Hurricanes. The Drua have made several changes to their starting lineup, including reinforcing the front row and introducing standout players like Fiji 7s sensation Joji Nasova, who has proven himself as a top scorer in the World Series.
While injuries persist, the team is optimistic about the return of players to full fitness, including Etonia Waga. As they prepare for their next match, the Drua will aim to avoid consecutive home losses, a feat they have not encountered since 2022.
With the Hurricanes on a six-game winning streak and showcasing impressive scoring power, the Drua will need to deliver their best performance yet. Fans attending the upcoming game at Churchill Park are encouraged to arrive early for the curtain raiser featuring the Fijian Drua Development team. The community continues to rally behind the Drua with a hopeful spirit, urging them to “Toso Drua Toso.”
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