Waratahs comeback not enough

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Waratahs got off to a strong start in the opening 10 minutes, playing smart rugby upfront.

This allowed hooker Mahe Vailanu to score a try in the corner from a well-executed set piece play which was converted by Tane Edmed.

Waratahs continued to apply pressure, forcing another error from the Fijian brigade which allowed Edmed to add another three points through a penalty.

The Drua regrouped and scored their first try through Iosefo Masi under the posts which was converted by Isaiah Ravula.

The home side continued their dominance with ruthless attacking techniques, forcing errors from the Waratahs which saw scrum half Frank Lomani diving in the corner for their second try. Ravula added the extra two points.

Drua, spurred on by the roaring crowd, continued their assault as Masi galloped to the tryline to secure his second and third tries for a comfortable first half lead.

The Waratahs started the second half strongly, with Charlie Gamble scoring their second try under the posts which was converted by Edmed.

However, the Drua regrouped quickly in the 49th minute and scored their fourth try through Tevita Ikanivere, with Ravula successfully converting to extend their lead 33-17.

Once again the Waratahs closed the gap with another try through inside centre Joey Walton which was successful converted.

More pressure from the Drua forced the visitors to make errors, allowing Ravula to kick another penalty and extend their lead to 36-24. In the last quarter of play, scrappy play crept in from both sides and Kitione Salawa was sin-binned in the 62nd minute, leaving Drua to play with a man down.

This allowed Waratahs to score their fourth and fifth tries through Vailanu and Lachlan, with Edmed successful converting one.

Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman said, “Especially coming back from a draw, it’s pretty painful.

“Disappointed with our movement speed and our effort areas in the first half,” Coleman said.