Big hits, nifty results and Tane Edmed’s master class as Waratahs scores 36 unanswered points to defeat Fijian Drua

The Waratahs are missing in Super Rugby Pacific 2023 after beating Fijians Drua 17-46 on Saturday.

Fly-Half Tane Edmed led the team to victory, scoring 18 points on one try, one penalty and five conversions. He also added a trial aid.

The Australians outplayed the Fijians by six tries to two in a closely fought game up to the 44th minute.

Tight first half

The Drua made the challenge before kick-off, but the Tahs would draw first blood.

Dave Porecki finished a well constructed try that saw Lalakai Foketi narrowly miss the whitewash before the hooker keeled over. Edmed converted the try after missing his first penalty to give the Waratahs a 7-0 advantage.

The Drua hit back through Caleb Muntz’ boot in the 17th minute but were down with a man moments later.

Loosehead propsman Jone Tiko was shown a yellow card for a no arms tackle on ‘Tah’s flanker Lachlan Swinton.

The Fijians were able to keep the Aussies calm during the sin-binning period and took the lead after 30 minutes when flanker Joe Tamani tipped over after a well-crafted tap play in the Waratahs’ 22.

Just before half-time, Tamani put up a massive tackle on Izaia Perese, but his teammates conceded the penalty from the resulting jerk. The Waratahs were able to equalize at the break to 10:10, Edmed converted from 40 meters.

Waratahs dominate the second half

The Drua were the fastest off the blocks in the second half when Tevita Ikanivere snuck over the line after a maul. Muntz added the extras, but that would be the last contribution the Fijians would make to goal-scoring.

A nice flowing attack opened up the space wide out for Ben Donaldson to slip through. Two quick tries in the 57th and 61st gave the Tahs a 14-point lead, and more tries from Edmed, Max Jorgensen and Mark Nawaqanitawase sealed their all-out victory.

Full Highlights

Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific

The story goes on

The Waratahs are now off in Super Rugby Pacific after losing their opening game to the Brumbies 25-31. They meet the Melbourne Rebels in the next rounds.

CONTINUE READING: Rameka Poihipi scores fastest try in Super Rugby history in Chiefs win over Moana Pasifika

The article WATCH: Big hits, slick scores and Tane Edmed’s masterclass as Waratahs score 36 unanswered points to defeat Fijian Drua first appeared on Planetrugby.com.