Updated: 8:02am – The Fiji Airways Drua has won their first home match in the Australian National Rugby Championship after beating last year’s runner‑up New South Wales Country Eagles 31‑14 at Lawaqa Park.
Halfback Frank Lomani scored the Drua’s first try in the 10th minute of the first half.
The Country Eagles first try came in the 20th minute through centre Sebastian Wileman with Tayler Adams adding the extra two points to lead 7‑5.
The Drua regained the lead when wing Eroni Sau crossed for the Drua’s second try after an excellent cut‑out pass from Eroni Vasiteri.
Sau’s try gave the Drua a 10‑7 lead at halftime.
The Drua started the second half on a high as Apisalome Waqatabu scored the third try in the first minute of the second half, extending the lead to 17‑7.
It did not take the Drua long to score their fourth try after a brilliant break from Eroni Sau helped Frank Lomani to score his second try of the match.
The conversion was successful and the Drua led 24‑7.
The NSW Country Eagles were then awarded a penalty try but Apete Daveta sealed the deal for the Drua as he scored their fifth try which was converted by Waqatabu to give them a 31‑14 lead.
Two Drua players were sin‑binned in the second half.
Despite star playmaker Peceli Nacebe being injured early in the first half the Drua displayed brilliant attacking and defense throughout the game. Captain Mosese Voka says it was team effort that got them the win.
-Fiji Village
