Waratahs mark another Super Rugby win under adversity defeating Fijiian Drua by five points

NSW has prevailed 29-24 over a dangerous Fijian Drua side thanks to a late penalty try proving the new Waratah’s culture is reaping rewards. JAMIE PANDARAM has the analysis.

Players from the Waratahs react after winning the Super Rugby Round 3 match between New South Wales Waratahs and Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on February 28, 2025. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

They came from behind in their first game, and they held on at the death in their second to mark another win under adversity.

The new Waratahs culture is reaping rewards, with NSW prevailing 29-24 over a dangerous Fijian Drua side, with a late penalty try proving the difference.

The Tahs are now 2-0 to start the 2025 season under coach Dan McKellar, and this was not without its challenges.

A dominant first half scrum was then dominated in the second half by Drua as soon as the replacement front row of Isaac Kailea, Mahe Vailanu and Siosifa Amone came on.

But it was a rolling maul in the 77th minute, with Vailanu at the back with the ball, that led to the penalty try that ultimately gave NSW the five-point lead which they just held on to as Drua attacked in the final seconds before losing the ball.

There is much to work on, but the Tahs have won two games they easily could have lost.

After finishing with the wooden spoon last year, their tenacity is undeniable.

Players from the Waratahs and Drum react after the end of their Super Rugby match. Picture: SAEED KHAN / AFP

And though it’s early days, the ability to win tight matches is a clear sign they are making strides.

Backrower Langi Gleeson scored two first-half tries, while NSW had to battle with 14 men when lock Miles Amatosero was sin-binned in the 56th minute.

Without injured superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was in the coaches box, the Tahs backline failed to fire, but the overall performance of grit did the job.

Gleeson’s double crucial in giving the home side a halftime buffer at Allianz Stadium.

NSW led 17-12 at the break, despite Fijian Drua winger Vuate Karawalevu scoring one of the best individual tries in Super Rugby history.

Karawalevu, who was in the Sydney Roosters NRL system in 2023 before joining the Tahs last year and playing two Super games, showed remarkable swerve and poise for his showstopping try in the corner.

He received the ball near the sideline, ran straight, then cut back inside. Defenders Darby Lancaster and Andrew Kellaway turned with him, before Karawalevu turned back on the outside, leaving Lancaster circling.

The winger leapt to the corner and grounded the ball with one hand as Lancaster desperately dived, too late to prevent a magical finish.

Drua players react after being beaten by New South Wales Waratahs. Picture: SAEED KHAN / AFP

But Gleeson, who had crashed over from close range in the 14th minute, cancelling Drua winger Ponipate Loganimasi’s opening try in the seventh, found his second three minutes before the break.

Jake Gordon’s kick over the top was chased by Max Jorgensen, who hounded Drua playmaker Caleb Muntz until he lost possession, allowing Gleeson to slam his hand on the loose ball in-goal.

Drua had led 12-10 up to that point, but Gleeson’s converted try gave NSW the upper hand.

Hooker David Porecki extended the Tahs’ lead four minutes into the second half with a rolling maul try. Edmed missed his first kick of the match with the wide conversion attempt, but at 22-12 the game was theirs to lose.

Amatasero sin-binning for a ruck infringement opened the door for Drua, who capitalised four minutes later when Loganimasi crossed for his second out wide following a long build-up of play.

Replacement Drua hooker Mesu Dolokoto put the visitors – who have not won an away game in two years across 16 matches – in the lead at 24-22.

It appeared as though the Tahs may have let slip a home victory, before the rolling maul drive with three minutes remaining saw referee Angus Mabey award a penalty try and sin bin replacement lock Kitione Salawa.

Drua desperately sought the game-winner in the final seconds, but Tahs pressure forced an error and a valuable victory in front of a crowd with plenty of Fijian fans.

It’s the momentum NSW needs as they face a tough Western Force outfit next weekend at home.

Originally published as Waratahs mark another Super Rugby win under adversity defeating Fijiian Drua by five points