Sydney, Australia – The NSW Waratahs clinched a dramatic 29-24 victory over the Fijian Drua in their Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific clash at Allianz Stadium. In a game where the lead changed multiple times, the Drua came agonizingly close to a historic upset but fumbled the ball in the dying seconds, handing the win to the hosts.
A Match of Momentum Swings
From the opening whistle, both teams showed attacking intent, setting the tone for a high-energy contest. The Drua struck first through winger Ponipate Loganimasi, who finished a well-worked attacking sequence to give his side a 7-0 lead.
However, the Waratahs responded almost immediately. Langi Gleeson, one of the standout performers of the season, powered his way over the line for a converted try to level the scores at 7-7.
The see-saw battle continued when Vuate Karawalevu produced a moment of individual brilliance, stepping past defenders to restore the Drua’s advantage. But the Waratahs, using their forward dominance, managed to grind their way back into the game, heading into halftime with a narrow 17-12 lead.
Drua’s Second-Half Fightback
The second half saw the Drua turn up the tempo, showcasing their trademark flair. Loganimasi bagged his second try of the game, cutting through the Waratahs' defense to reduce the deficit. Shortly after, Mesulame Dolokoto powered over from a rolling maul, putting the Drua ahead 24-22 with just under 15 minutes to play.
With the match hanging in the balance, the Waratahs turned to their trusted rolling maul, a weapon they’ve refined under coach Dan McKellar. In the 76th minute, they were awarded a penalty try, shifting momentum back in their favor and forcing the Drua to chase the game.
Heartbreak in the Final Moments
With just minutes left on the clock, the Drua launched one final assault. Their powerful ball carriers pushed deep into Waratahs’ territory, and a late penalty gave them a golden opportunity to snatch victory.
However, under intense pressure, the Drua fumbled the ball in contact, handing possession—and the game—to the Waratahs. The full-time whistle confirmed a 29-24 win for the home side, leaving the Drua to reflect on another missed opportunity.
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