The NSW Waratahs secured back-to-back wins in Super Rugby Pacific at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney tonight after outlasting a spirited Fijian Drua side 29-24.
The Round 3 match in hot and humid conditions was a thriller for the 16,150 crowd who were left on the edge of their seats and cheering madly as the dying minutes played out.
Despite the slippery, humid conditions making the ball hard to handle both sides showcased incredible skill. The Fijian Drua’s trademark attacking flair matched the NSW Waratahs’ forward dominance.
The physicality of the match was evident, as a series of powerful carries and breakdown battles tested the endurance of both teams.
For the NSW Waratahs, Number Eight Langi Gleeson was a standout, scoring two first-half tries – his first ‘double’ of five-pointers in Super Rugby - and he provided vital momentum up front.
Flyhalf Tane Edmed was instrumental in directing play while fullback Andrew Kellaway’s attacking intent kept the Fijian Drua defence on high alert.
NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Pacific debutant Henry O'Donnell also excelled before his home crowd with his attack on the line and his defence.
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar was again happy for the belief his charges had in each other to grind out the win so close to the bell.
The same trait helped them win against the Highlanders in Round 1 before their Round 2 bye.
"Speaking to the boys, I think they all agree that they probably would have lost that game in the past," McKellar said.
"So, it's pleasing that we sit here again after grinding out and fighting our way to win knowing that we've got enormous improvement in front of us."
The NSW Waratahs now move to two wins from two games. The win further cements their growing confidence as they look to build momentum.
The NSW Waratahs led 17-12 after an enthralling first half and found themselves 22-12 up after hooker David Porecki after forty-nine minutes and seemingly in control.
But then the Fijian Drua produced a resurgence that kept the contest in the balance until the final whistle as both sides wrestled for control that shifted back and forth.
The Fijian Drua struck in the sixtieth minute when winger Ponipate Loganimasi’s try was converted by reserve back Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula down, putting the score at 22-19.
Moments later, hooker Mesulame Dolokoto muscled over from close range, and while Armstrong-Ravula’s conversion attempt hit the upright, it put them in front at 17-24.
The NSW Waratahs were not done. With just under five minutes to play, O’Donnell found space and surged through the Fijian Drua defence to set up a crucial attacking position for the side.
With three minutes to go, the pressure ultimately proved too much for the Fijians.
Forward Kitione Salawa was yellow carded in the seventy-seventh minute for repeated infringements, and the NSW Waratahs were also awarded a penalty try to go 29-24 up.
With time ticking down, the NSW Waratahs held composure, despite the Fijian Drua making one last surge before the home side won the ball back and held it to full-time.
At Allianz Stadium, Moore Park, Sydney
Tries: Langi Gleeson (2), David Porecki, Penalty try
Conversions: Tane Edmed (2)
Penalties: Tane Edmed
Tries: Mesulame Dolokoto, Ponipate Loganimasi (2), Vuate Karawalevu
Conversions: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Caleb Muntz
