The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua mounted a spirited second-half comeback but were ultimately defeated 50-35 by the NSW Waratahs in an entertaining Super Rugby Pacific clash at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Suva, the Drua endured a difficult opening half as the Waratahs ran in a series of early tries to take control of the contest.
The visitors opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Harry Potter, although Sid Harvey missed the conversion attempt.
Forward Ioane Moananu crossed in the 13th minute before Max Jorgensen added another try in the 20th minute, with Harvey converting both to give the Waratahs a commanding 19-0 lead.
The Drua answered through Mesake Doge, whose powerful try lifted the atmosphere at the HFC Bank Stadium.
Kemu Valetini added the conversion as the hosts narrowed the score to 19-7.
However, the Waratahs continued to apply pressure, with Harvey scoring a try before Teddy Wilson crossed in the 28th minute.
Both conversion attempts were unsuccessful, but the visitors still extended their advantage to 29-7.
The home side’s challenges increased in the 34th minute when Isikeli Rabitu was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
The Waratahs capitalised shortly before half-time with another converted try to carry a dominant 36-7 lead into the break.
The Drua returned after half-time with renewed energy and intensity.
Elia Canakaivata crossed in the 46th minute and Valetini converted successfully before Kitione Salawa added another try six minutes later.
A second successful conversion reduced the margin and reignited hopes of a comeback.
The Waratahs responded through Apolosi Ranawai, whose converted try pushed the visitors further ahead at 50-21.
In the 67th minute, the Drua suffered another setback when Canakaivata was forced from the field with an injury.
Despite the deficit, the Drua continued to attack with confidence.
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre scored a late converted try before captain Temo Mayanavanua crossed after the full-time siren.
The successful conversion reduced the final margin to 50-38.
