AFTER a successful season, the Fijian Drua women were forced to dig deep as they succumbed to relentless pressure from the NSW Waratahs in the final at the Four R Stadium in Ba.
Hosting the Super W grand final for the first time, the Fijian Drua did not utilize every opportunity they had to score points when they had possession.
In true defending champions fashion, the Waratahs were up for the challenge against heavy hitting and hard running Fijian women.
The visitors took the lead early with two tries as the home side scrambled to build composure.
Australia Sevens star Tia Hinds dictated the pace of the game for the Waratahs and Faliki Pohiva dominated the collisions.
It took some time for the Drua to neutralize the two threats.
The Drua lineouts suffered blunders early in the game so Bitila Tawake was subbed in for Keleni Marawa.
Haunting handling errors and offside infringements were also huge factors against the Drua who dropped too many unnecessary offloads and were slow to get back on side during defence.
The Waratahs led 12 – 0 at halftime.
Mere Nakesa had a strong performance. The lanky second rower was instrumental in their hopes to recapture some momentum for the Drua.
The Waratahs slowed the game in the second half. They scored four more tries to seal the win 34 – 17.
