The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua started its campaign last night in its first-ever Super Rugby outing last night with a thumping 10-40 loss against the NSW Waratahs last night.
The Mick Byrne-coached side came into the contest eager to show Fiji’s exciting brand of rugby, with a good number of Fijian supporters at Parramatta.
The NSW Waratahs bid to end a 538-day wait of breaking its drought in the Super Rugby competition came true as they got 2022 off to a strong start against the Drua at CommBank Stadium.
After riding into the Super Rugby Pacific season opener with plenty of confidence after three solid trial victories the Waratahs faced an unknown Drua, with an impressive start in their first-ever Super Rugby outing.
The NSW Waratahs started strong against the Fijian Drua with a commanding 21-3 half time lead.
The Warahats had a good opening 40 minutes as they stopped the Drua from breaking their try line.
The newcomers struggled at the set piece with their accuracy and in open play which resulted in some unforced errors with Drua captain Nemani Nagusa getting a consolation try in the 64th minute.
After a disappointing 2021, the home side showed improvements.
Prop Jone Koroiduadua earned a yellow card after an unnecessary dangerous cleanout on Dave Porecki.
NSW Waratahs (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Geoff Cridge, Lachie Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, James Turner, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Dylan Pietsch, Alex Newsome Reserves: Tom Horton, Tetera Faulkner, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Carlo Tizzano, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Jamie Roberts.
Fijian Drua (1-15): Jone Koroiduadua, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Nemani Nagusa (c), Simione Kuruvoli, Baden Kerr, Vinaya Habosi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Apisalome Vota, Kitione Ratu, Selesitino Ravutaumada Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Saulo, Viliame Rarasea, Vilive Miramira, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Onisi Ratave
