Drua are getting smashed in the penalty count (11-6) and rightly so. A yellow card is surely close but the home side bang a three-pointer over themselves to squeeze their lead out to 12 points.
There we go. Drua reserve Kitione Salawa is having a rest for 10 minutes after failing to get back onside.
The Tahs could strike here with a one-man advantage.
BANG: Waratahs hooker Vailanu has his second five-pointer with a try from the back of a driving maul. Big 10 minutes brewing here in Fiji.
Edmed’s kick is unsuccessful.
Drua 36-29 Waratahs (62 minutes)
The Tahs have about six pick and drives right next to the tryline but can’t burst through. So close.
Excellent defence from the Drua, even though they concede a penalty to give the Waratahs another crack to reduce the deficit.
The turf is getting absolutely torn up at Churchill Park. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a second half injury to someone here.
BANG: Joey Walton gets a five-pointer off a first phase play. Lineout, then back to hooker Mahe Vailanu, who gives it to Walton.
NSW are still in with a slim chance here.
Drua 33-24 Waratahs (58 minutes)
A handling error from the Waratahs puts them on the back foot before Tevita Ikanivere slices through for a try.
Just as the Waratahs got back into the game, a simple error costs them seven points. They’re just lacking composure at the moment. There’s nothing wrong with trying to slow play down but today it’s been at a really high tempo.
Drua 33-17 Waratahs (51 minutes)
The Waratahs have their second try of the day as No.7 Charlie Gamble leaps over the line.
Joey Walton runs a straight line and gives a ball to Izaia Perese who throws the last pass to Gamble. It comes from a midfield scrum.
Conversion is successful. Tahs needed that to stay in touch.
Drua 26-17 Waratahs (47 minutes)
Frank Lomani starts the second half where he left off with another 50-22. It’s a superb kick to give his side auspicious field position once again.
But Jed Holloway wins a steal at the lineout. Top work from the big New South Welshman.
The field is very wet after a half-time downpour.
Drua 26-10 Waratahs (44 minutes)
Just 20 seconds before the break, Waratahs winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-down. Fair call in my books. The Drua had numbers down the left edge there.
As a penalty attempt sails right of the posts, the Drua head into half-time with a healthy 26-10 lead over a Waratahs team sucking in the big ones.
A great half of rugby, objectively speaking. Not if you’re a Waratahs fan.
Wow.
Drua No.13 Iosefo Masi once again slices through a tired Waratahs defence. Izaia Perese can’t get near him down the left side as a vociferous crowd go wild.
It’s been a remarkable little burst from the home side here to absolutely put the Waratahs on the back foot, six minutes out from half-time.
The conversion crashes into the post.
Drua 26-10 Waratahs (34 minutes)
Drua halfback Frank Lomani throws a cracker of a dummy and puts Iosefo Masi through a big hole. He runs more than half the field before palming off last defender Max Jorgensen to score another try.
The conversion from Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, on the right touchline, is a beauty.
It’s been a disappointing 20-minute period for the Waratahs. Another try from the Drua before half-time and it could be lights out for the boys in sky blue. It looks awfully hot. Our Irishman (Jonathan Drennan) would be melting over there in the stands.
Drua 21-10 Waratahs (after 30 minutes)
Drua have a lineout and go short, with halfback Frank Lomani sneaking over down the short side. NSW weren’t switched on there as Mahe Vailanu tries to stop the No.9.
The conversion goes over and the home side finally have the lead against their Australian rivals.
NSW need to maintain their composure as fatigue sets in.
Drua 14-10 Waratahs (21 minutes)
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