In a historic night for the game in the Southern Hemisphere the NSW Waratahs have run out 40-10 winners over the Fijian Drua in the opening match of Super Rugby Pacific.
Darren Coleman’s men have got their campaign off to the perfect start with a five try to one bonus point win against the competitions newest side.
The Waratahs could have forgotten they were the home team with the Fijian Drua receiving plenty of support in conditions that resembled Suva more than Sydney.
Ben Donaldson settled the Waratahs nerves with an early penalty goal before Will Harris scored the opening try of the match with an old school pick and drive from close range in the 12th minute.
Donaldson kept the scoreboard ticking over with two more penalty goals before Dave Porecki capitalised on a strong rolling maul to ensure the home side led 21-3 at the break.
The Waratahs got off to a flyer in the second half with Lalakai Foketi finishing off a strong carry and offload from Angus Bell.
Bell then went from setting up tries to scoring one of his own in the 52nd minute before Jake Gordon latched onto a wide looping pass to score a 60-metre intercept try for an unassailable 40-3 lead.
The Drua scored the final try of the night through captain Nemani Nagusa who barged over from a quick tap in the 65th minute.
NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon was proud of his team’s effort in their first Super Rugby win since 2020.
“It’s been a long time since we put on a performance like that, that we’re really proud of,” said NSW captain Jake Gordon on Stan Sport.
“It’s great to see the forwards up front put on a defensive display like that.
“We learnt how resilient the group was and how many good blokes we have in our team. To have guys go through a season like that and not backstab each other shows the resilience in the group and it’s awesome we got some pay tonight.”
The Waratahs now turn their attention to the Queensland Reds who they face in Round 2 at Leichhardt Oval.
Waratahs 40 (Tries: Harris, Porecki, Foketi, Bell, Gordon Conversions: Donaldson 3, Penalties: Donaldson 3) def. Drua 10 (Tries: Nagusa, Conversions: Kerr, Penalties: Kerr) at CommBank Stadium
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
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
