Waratahs edge Fijian Drua with late penalty try in Sydney thriller

In a pulsating Super Rugby Pacific encounter at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Friday, the NSW Waratahs clinched a dramatic 29-24 victory over the Fijian Drua, courtesy of a decisive 76th-minute penalty try.

The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, showcasing the resilience and strategic prowess of both teams.

The Waratahs commenced the match with assertive intent, aiming to capitalize on their home advantage.

In the 8th minute, dynamic back-rower Langi Gleeson powered through the Drua's defensive line to register the opening try. The successful conversion by Ben Donaldson provided the hosts with an early 7-0 lead.

The Fijian Drua, renowned for their flair and unpredictability, responded in the 15th minute when winger Vinaya Habosi showcased exceptional agility, evading multiple defenders to touch down in the corner. The challenging conversion attempt sailed wide, narrowing the margin to 7-5.

Midway through the first half, the Waratahs extended their advantage. A well-executed set-piece move in the 28th minute saw center Izaia Perese slicing through the midfield to score under the posts, with Donaldson adding the extras to make it 14-5.

As halftime approached, the Drua capitalized on a handling error from the Waratahs. Scrum-half Frank Lomani intercepted a loose pass in the 35th minute, sprinting 40 meters to score. The successful conversion leveled the scores at 14-12, setting the stage for a tightly contested second half.

The Waratahs emerged from the break with renewed determination. In the 48th minute, sustained pressure in the Drua's 22 culminated in Gleeson bulldozing over for his second try of the evening. Donaldson's reliable boot extended the lead to 21-12.

However, the match's complexion altered dramatically in the 55th minute when Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero received a yellow card for a high tackle, reducing the hosts to 14 men.

The Drua seized this numerical advantage, with Eroni Sau finishing off a flowing backline move in the 60th minute. The successful conversion brought the visitors within two points at 21-19.

Buoyed by their momentum, the Drua continued to press. In the 68th minute, a series of offloads culminated in Apisai Naqalevu crashing over near the posts. The straightforward conversion handed the Drua their first lead of the match at 24-21.

With the clock ticking down and the Waratahs restored to full strength, the home side exhibited composure. A strategic lineout in the 75th minute deep in Drua territory led to a powerful rolling maul.

As the maul surged toward the try line, the Drua's defensive unit collapsed it illegally, leaving referee Angus Mabey with no option but to award a penalty try, propelling the Waratahs back in front at 28-24.

The final minutes saw the Drua desperately seeking to reclaim the lead, but the Waratahs' defense remained resolute, securing a hard-fought victory.