Fijian Drua continue eight-game winning streak in Lautoka with win over under strength Waratahs
This article originally appeared on Stuff and is reproduced with permission
The Waratahs have been brought back down to earth by the Fijian Drua.
One week after stunning the Chiefs in Sydney, the Waratahs were on the receiving end of a shock defeat, losing 28-14 to the bottom-place Super Rugby Pacific team at the Drua's Churchill Park fortress on Saturday.
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The Drua sealed the 14-point victory – just their second win of the season – with a penalty try in the 82nd minute.
Joseph Suaalii in action against Fijian Drua. Getty
Wallabies star Joseph Suaalii was pinged by referee Paul Williams for picking up the ball in an offside position inside his team's try area following a knock on, denying the Waratahs a losing bonus point.
The Waratahs had chosen to rest several starts for the fixture, namely Angus Bell, Rob Leota and Taniela Tupou.
The victory extended the Drua's impressive record in Lautoka, where they have now won eight games in a row.
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Their supporters will be left wondering why they don't play all of their home games at Churchill Park.
A relieved Drua captain Mesulame Dolokoto was full of praise for his side's fans after they'd witnessed four losses in a row prior to the Waratahs fixture.
"Really happy with that win, it's been a tough five weeks but credit to the boys for not giving up ... thanks to the fans, thanks for turning up, best fans in the world," he said on Stan Sport's coverage.
"I know for this past five weeks it wouldn't be easy for the whole lot of you but you guys still came out in numbers."
The Waratahs remain winless away from home in 2025.
