Waratahs beat Drua 36-13 in Sydney

Waratahs 36-13 Fijian Drua, Allianz Stadium

The NSW Waratahs maintained their unbeaten start to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with a convincing 36-13 victory over the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium.

A second-half surge and another standout display from Max Jorgensen ensured the hosts claimed back-to-back bonus-point wins.

Jorgensen swings momentum before halftime

The Drua began confidently and led 10-7 midway through the first half after applying early pressure. The Waratahs struggled for rhythm until Jorgensen produced a decisive moment of brilliance four minutes before the break.

Receiving a long pass from fly-half Lawson Creighton, the winger stepped past Taniela Rakuro and accelerated beyond fullback Ilaisa Droasese to score in the corner. The try shifted momentum and gave the Waratahs a lead they would not surrender.

Jorgensen thought he had a second before halftime after sprinting clear, but the TMO ruled a forward pass in the build-up.

Forwards lay the platform

The Waratahs’ pack took control after the interval. Pete Samu and Clem Halaholo carried strongly, creating space for the backs, while replacement hooker Ioane Moananu made an immediate impact off the bench.

Moananu crossed twice on debut, adding to tries from Charlie Gamble and Angus Blyth as the home side extended their advantage. The Drua struggled to contain NSW’s physicality in the middle stages of the match.

Late flourish seals win

Jorgensen eventually secured his second try from the final play, finishing a well-placed grubber to cap another man-of-the-match performance.

The result leaves the Waratahs unbeaten after two rounds, while the Drua continue their search for an opening win of the campaign.

Team line up:

Waratahs: 15 James Hendren, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (captain), 3 Dan Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert

Reserves: 16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Triston Reilly

Fijian Drua: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Ponipate Loganimasi, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre,12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Taniela Rakuro, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (co-captain), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Temo Mayanavanua (co-captain), 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet

Reserves: 16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Inia Tabuavou, 23 Manasa Mataele