Dan McKellar, the head coach of the NSW Waratahs, expressed pride in his team’s resilience following a thrilling 29-24 victory over the Fijian Drua in Sydney. This match, part of the Super Rugby Pacific season, highlighted the Waratahs’ determination to maintain their unbeaten streak. The game took place at Allianz Stadium, with strong support from passionate Fijian fans eager for their team’s success.
The Waratahs clinched the win with a late penalty try awarded by referee Angus Mabey after Fijian player Kitione Salawa received a yellow card for interfering with a driving maul. McKellar emphasized that this victory demonstrates a newfound mental toughness in his players, stating, “Talking to the boys, they all agree that in the past they would have lost that game.”
For the Drua, this defeat marked their third consecutive loss, following close encounters against both the Brumbies and the Hurricanes. Despite their struggles, they began the match strongly with winger Ponipate Loganimasi scoring first, quickly matched by Waratahs back-rower Langi Gleeson, setting a competitive tone.
Gleeson was a key performer, contributing two tries and making crucial defensive plays, including holding up opponents near the try line. He cherished the opportunity to compete against his Fijian counterparts, reflecting the camaraderie that exists despite the competitive nature of rugby.
The contrasting styles on display—Waratahs’ strategic execution and tactical discipline versus Drua’s high-energy, free-flowing play—underscored the Drua’s growing skills and resilience, despite their difficult start to the season. Drua coach Glen Jackson noted the necessity of learning from these tight losses, stressing improvements needed in discipline and performance under pressure.
As both teams look ahead, they each have valuable lessons and experiences to draw upon. The Drua aim to convert their near misses into future successes, while the Waratahs strive to extend their unbeaten streak. There is an air of optimism surrounding both squads, with players and fans encouraged to maintain a positive outlook as they tackle the challenges of the competitive season ahead.
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