The NSW Waratahs Women fell short of beating the Fijian Drua in Round 1 of the Super Rugby Women’s competition today (Friday) at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney.
Under the sweltering heat of 30°C and oppressive humidity, the reigning champion NSW Waratahs staged a late comeback, but their efforts fell short against the Fijian Drua.
From the opening whistle, the Fijian Drua asserted their dominance, using their forward strength and electric backline play to dictate the game.
Within eight seconds of kick-off, outside centre Vitalina Naikore capitalised on a pinpoint kick to score the opening try.
Fullback Luisa Tisolo’s successful conversion gave the visitors an early 7-0 lead.
The Fijian Drua, who lost last year’s Super Rugby Women’s grand final to the NSW Waratahs 50-14, showed they were a new team.
The visitors continued their momentum, controlling possession and territory.
Tisolo added a penalty goal at the 10-minute mark, extending the lead to 10-0.
The NSW Waratahs, despite struggling with handling errors and discipline, responded through a well-executed team try finished by right winger Maya Stewart.
However, the missed conversion by halfback Tiarne Cavanagh left the score at 10-5.
Exploiting their strength up front, the Fijian Drua forwards put the Waratahs under constant pressure, forcing mistakes and winning crucial breakdown battles.
Tisolo’s boot continued to prove reliable. She added another penalty goal in the 25th minute before inside centre Josifini Neihamu crossed for Fijian Drua’s second try.
With another successful conversion, the visitors stormed into the break with a commanding 20-5 lead.
Despite the challenging conditions and mounting frustration, the NSW Waratahs emerged from the halftime break with renewed intensity.
Early in the second half, slick passing saw prop Bridie O’Gorman crash over for a try, but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 20-10.
The match remained a contest riddled with errors from both teams, with handling mistakes and penalties disrupting any sustained attacking momentum.
The Fijian Drua maintained their physical dominance, and Tisolo slotted another penalty goal in the 72nd minute, pushing the lead to 23-10.
A yellow card to Fijian Drua’s Ana Korovata in the 67th minute gave the NSW Waratahs an opportunity to claw back, but their attack continued to falter under pressure.
A missed penalty attempt by reserve back Litiana Vueti kept the scoreline within reach for NSW, but crucial turnovers at key moments prevented them from capitalising.
The Waratahs found some late spark in the dying minutes, with a brilliant passing sequence finished off by centre Georgina Friedrichs in the 79th minute.
Flyhalf Katrina Barker’s successful conversion reduced the deficit to 23-17, but time had run out for the home side.
It was a frustrating loss for the NSW Waratahs, who were unable to overcome their early mistakes despite showing resilience in the closing stages.
The Fijian Drua, on the other hand, showcased their physicality in the forwards and flair in the backs, making a strong statement in their season opener.
The NSW Waratahs will look to regroup as they prepare for their next match, eager to rectify their errors and defend their title.
Meanwhile, the Drua will take confidence from their performance as they continue their Super W campaign.
NSW Waratahs Women 17 Fijian Drua 23
At Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
NSW 17
Tries: Georgian Friedrichs, Bridie O'Gorman, Maya Stewart
Conversions: Katarina Barker
Fiji Drua 23
Tries: Josefini Neihamu, Vitalina Naikore
Conversions: Luisa Tisolo (2)
Penalties: Luisa Tisolo (3)
