Key posts
Your say – who wins tonight?
Waratahs, Drua celebrate culture round
Numbers building at Allianz Stadium
By Jonathan Drennan
Women’s Fijian Drua team celebrate a stunning win
Women’s Fijian Drua players salute the crowd after their 23-17 win over the Waratahs on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images
Key changes for Waratahs with Suaalii sidelined
By Jonathan Drennan
Drua claim stunning win over NSW women’s team, 23-17
Aloesi Nakoci tackles NSW’s Georgina Friedrichs.Credit: Getty Images
The Drua already have a win at Allianz Stadium tonight, with the women’s team getting the result against their NSW Waratahs counterparts in the early game. That came despite the Waratahs scoring a converted try in the final minute of the match, giving them a long-shot chance of stealing a win at the death – but when the kick-off went through the grasp of NSW winger Annabelle Codey and over the sideline the Drua clinched an upset win.
The win was built on some crunching defence from the Fijians, including one spectacular tackle from Aloesi Nakoci on the Tahs’ Georgina Friedrichs.
Bumper crowd for winning Waratahs
By Jonathan Drennan
Your say – who wins tonight?
The team lists
Waratahs
15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Henry O’Donnell, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon (c), 8 Langi Gleeson, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Hugh Sinclair, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Mahe Vailanu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Ben Grant, 20 Jamie Adamson, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 Triston Reilly
Andrew Kellaway moves to fullback in place of the injured Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, with Darby Lancaster moving into the starting side and Henry O’Donnell making his starting debut at centre.
Drua
15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Ponipate Loganimasi, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Inia Tabuavou, 11 Vuate Karawalevu, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Meli Derenlagi, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 1 Haereiti Hetet
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Etonia Waqa, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Kemu Valetini
The Drua have made 10 changes to their squad this week, including the return of captain Tevita Ikanivere and winger Ponipate Loganimasi. Former Waratahs winger Vuate Karawalevu lines up against his old side.
Hello and welcome
The NSW Waratahs men’s side hasn’t started a Super Rugby season with back-to-back wins since 2014, but they’re looking to do just that tonight against the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium.
The Tahs started the season with a rollercoaster 37-36 win over the Highlanders a fortnight ago in Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s Super Rugby Pacific debut, and are feeling fresh from last week’s bye.
The Drua meanwhile suffered a couple of tough losses against the Brumbies and Hurricanes after letting leads slip late in both those games.
Suaalii is missing tonight’s game with a toe injury. The Waratahs are four from four in contests against the Drua in Australia, winning by an average margin of 24 points, but the Drua won the last contest between these sides in a 39-36 golden point thriller.
Kick-off tonight is at 7.35pm AEDT.
