Fijian Drua Extend Impressive Eight-Match Winning Streak in Lautoka with Victory Against Depleted Waratahs

This article initially appeared on Stuff and is published here with permission

The Waratahs have been brought back down to earth by the Fijian Drua.

Just a week after a stunning victory over the Chiefs in Sydney, the Waratahs faced an unexpected defeat, going down 28-14 to the bottom-placed Super Rugby Pacific team at the Drua’s home ground, Churchill Park, on Saturday.

The Drua clinched the 14-point triumph – only their second win of the season – with a penalty try awarded in the 82nd minute.

Referee Paul Williams penalised Wallabies sensation Joseph Suaalii for picking up the ball while offside in his team’s try zone after a knock-on, thereby denying the Waratahs a potential losing bonus point.

In this match, the Waratahs opted to rest several key players, including Angus Bell, Rob Leota, and Taniela Tupou.

The victory marked the Drua’s remarkable streak at Lautoka, where they have now won eight consecutive matches.

Supporters of the Drua may wonder why the team doesn’t play all their home games at Churchill Park.

A relieved captain of the Drua, Mesulame Dolokoto, expressed his gratitude towards the fans after the side had endured four consecutive losses prior to the clash with the Waratahs.

“We’re really pleased with that win; it has been a challenging five weeks, but credit to the boys for persevering… a big thank you to the fans, the best in the world,” he said during the coverage on Stan Sport.

“I know it hasn’t been easy for all of you over the past five weeks, yet you still came out in great numbers.”

The Waratahs continue to search for their first away win of 2025.