The Fijiana Drua made a statement win in the opening round of Super W avenging their 2024 final loss to the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Syndey, Australia.
The two-time champions defeated holders Waratahs 23-17 in a fast-paced game.
Vice-captain Vitalina Naikore played a key role in their win, scoring one of the fastest try in the competition in just 10 seconds of play.
Relentless pressure from the Drua as they dominated the scrums saw them awarded with penalties and Luisa Tisolo stood up to the role.
She chipped over a penalty for the Drua to lead 10-0 inside the 10th minute of play.
The Waratahs grabbed one back two minutes after through Maya Stewart to close the gap 5-10.
The Drua maintained their composure and with their hard-hitting one-on-one tackles, were able to force turnovers and gain possession.
Namosi player Josivini Naihamu played a grand game at centre, and she was rewarded with a try at the 24th minute.
Tisolo converted from the corner as the Drua led 20-5 into the break.
The fullback grabbed another three-pointer in the second half and while the Tahs managed to get over twice, the Drua held on for the sweet victory.
Meanwhile, a grateful Vitalina Naikore, vice-captain of the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua team, expressed her profound gratitude for her teammates in putting together their dynamic Super W opener victory against the Waratahs last Friday.
Naikore relayed her appreciation for the team, after the side secured a 23-17 win against their opponents in a match where the Fijiana Drua weighed down their dominance of the game with an iron fist from kick-off to full-time.
“I really thank the girls for giving their effort, proud of them. Even the new girls that are coming in, (such as) the development players, so happy for them and yes, we had a good result,” Naikore stated after the match.
She set a mark of her own too with the fastest try in Super Rugby W, made just eight seconds after kick-off.
While her dash for the try-line painted astonishment on the faces of those who witnessed it, she remained humble for the overall victory of the team.
“First of all, I would like to thank the Lord for giving us the strength today. Yeah, it was a very good game for us, the Waratahs gave us a good game,” an elated yet breathless Naikore said.
The vice-captain acknowledged the work of head coach and former Flying Fijian Ifereimi Rawaqa as a catalyst in the victory earned by the side.
“Yes, I really think it was a good coach, he gave us what things (we needed) we have to play in the ground so yes he just said to play together as a team so yes we (the Fijiana Drua) are so happy,” Naikore expressed.
The Fijiana Drua take on the Reds at 1.05pm this Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
