sudden death
Drua wins at
KEMU Valetini proved the hero for the Fijian Drua side, as they created history by beating the Waratahs for the first time.
Last year, Kemu kicked the winning penalty against the Crusaders at Churchill Park, as the Drua beat the in-form team 25-24 for the first time.
The ‘Tahs started well, taking a 10-0 break, but the Drua clawed their way back to the top, with a 26-10 lead.
Again, Iosefo Masi stood out with yet another scintillating performance. Due to lapse of concentration and indiscipline, the Drua allowed the visitors into the game.
The cohesion, structure, and aggressiveness, that were seen in the first half, went missing, as the game headed for golden point.
The Waratahs had their own chances, but they could not convert them into points.
In the end, Kemu stood up and gifted Fijians that special drop goal that sent fans into a frenzy and put an end to our earlier losses in 2022 and last year (40-10, 38-14, 46-17 and 32-18). Yesterday went into history books, as the Drua beat the ’Tahs for the first time in a dramatic finish that set the platform for the battle between the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua and the Waratahs!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Nadawa, Nasinu
Last minute win
IT is truly a huge disappointment the Fijian Drua squandered a comfortable lead. Poor discipline allowed the Waratahs to claw their way back 36 - 36 in regulation time. In the first minute of extra time the Drua reared another ugly indiscipline to cop yellow.
The Waratahs missed a drop goal attempt on the 84th minute.
Why does Drua discipline fall apart when it matters most?
Lo and behold, at the 88th minute, for the very first time the Drua beat the Waratahs 39 - 36.
I get to breathe again.
Vina du Fijian Drua.
RONNIE CHANG
Martintar, Nadi