The NSW Waratahs have continued their undefeated Super Rugby Pacific streak over the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, surviving an enthralling contest at home.
Although the 32-18 scoreline perhaps suggested a convincing win for the Sydneysiders, it was anything but.
Mark Nawaqanitawase was the star for the ‘Tahs at the Sydney Football Stadium, scoring two of the team’s five tries in the 10th and 65th minute respectively.
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The two sides looked like they would go into the half time break split by just two points at 8-6 in favour of the home side until Dylan Pietch scored long after the hooter had sounded.
That gave the Waratahs a 13-6 lead at the break as the Drua managed just two penalty goals.
Tevita Ikanivere opened the scoring in the second half for the Drua to draw the two sides level at 13 points apiece.
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At that point, the evenly poised contest looked like it could go either way.
What followed was a tit-for-tat exchange as Nawaqanitawase went over for the second of his tries before Joseva Tamani responded with a try of his own three minutes later in the 68th.
Waratahs extend lead after the half time hooter
A conversion charge down by Nawaqanitawase ensured the scores didn’t remain level at 20-18.
Then the Waratahs put the game beyond doubt as Langi Gleeson hit back almost immediately in the 71st minute before Mahi Vailanu sealed the win in the 77th.
For Nawaqanitawase, it was a win to savour off the back of signing a contract extension with Rugby Australia that will keep him at the Waratahs and a contender for Wallabies starts.
“Of course, leading into the finals we want to keep building good momentum and that was a tough one,” said Nawaqanitawase.
“Credit to the Drua. Very physical game. Our boys held out there and we got the win.”
Nawaqanitawase and Walton combine for epic try
The win puts the Waratahs one win clear of their nearest rivals the Queensland Reds with two rounds remaining.
The Waratahs will have a tough assignment in round 14 when they face the Crusaders in Christchurch but will host Moana Pasifika in round 15 for what should be an easy win.
The Waratahs have won the past five of their six matches and their last four on the trot.
“What we knew was the Fijian team is so dangerous on attack and they were going to test us throughout the night, which they did,” said captain Jake Gordon.
Max Jorgensen was the player of the match for the Waratahs.
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