The Waratahs are off the mark in Super Rugby Pacific in 2023 after defeating the Fijian Drua 46-17 on Saturday.
Fly-half Tane Edmed led the side to victory, scoring 18 points via one try, one penalty and five conversions. He also added a try assist.
The Australians outscored the Fijians six tries to two in what was a closely fought game up until the 44th minute.
Tight first half
The Drua threw down the challenge before kick-off, but the ‘Tahs would draw the first blood.
It’s go time 😤
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Dave Porecki finished off a well-constructed try which initially saw Lalakai Foketi go just shy of the whitewash before the hooker crashed over. Edmed converted the try after missing his first penalty to give the Waratahs a 7-0 advantage.
The Drua hit back through the boot of Caleb Muntz in the 17th minute but were down a man shortly afterwards.
Loosehead prop Jone Tiko was shown a yellow card for a no-arms tackle on ‘Tahs flanker Lachlan Swinton.
The Fijians were able to keep the Australians quiet during the sin-binning period and took the lead after 30 minutes when flanker Joe Tamani crashed over from a well-worked tap play inside the Waratahs’ 22.
Just before half-time, Tamani put in a massive tackle on Izaia Perese, but his team-mates conceded the penalty from the resulting ruck. This gave the Waratahs the opportunity to level things at 10-10 at the break, and Edmed converted from 40 metres out.
Waratahs dominate the second half
The Drua were quickest out the blocks in the second half when Tevita Ikanivere snuck over the line after a maul. Muntz added the extras but that would be the final contribution that the Fijians would make to the scoreline.
A lovely flowing attack opened up the space out wide for Ben Donaldson to slip through. Two quick tries in the 57th and 61st minute gave the ‘Tahs a 14-point lead, and further tries from Edmed, Max Jorgensen, and Mark Nawaqanitawase sealed their comprehensive victory.
Full highlights
Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific
The Waratahs are off the mark now in Super Rugby Pacific, having lost their opening game to the Brumbies 25-31. They face the Melbourne Rebels in the next rounds of action.
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