DRUA fans went home cold, wet and miserable from HFC Stadium in Suva after a red-hot Waratahs side ran riot over the home team.
The Drua opted for a kick and chase approach as the sides battled against wet and slippery conditions.
Openside flanker Kitione Salawa was outstanding in the breakdowns, making significant tackles and turnovers for the Drua.
Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter and Sid Harvey stood out for the Tahs who lost Joseph Sua’ali’i before the match to a hamstring injury.
The Waratahs scored six tries in the first half and Mesake Doge burrowed over for a try under the posts but the visitors led 36–7 at half-time.
The Drua were slow to get back on-side and their missed tackles did not help. The Waratahs showed they had done their homework on the Drua’s vulnerabilities around the fringes of the rucks.
Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Temo Mayanavanua scored a try each as they mounted a comeback in the second half.
The Waratahs were hungrier for the win and added two more tries to seal the big 50–35 win.
