Preparations for Super Rugby Pacific 2025 have finally reached the playing field with the first weekend of preseason action now in the books.
Both the Fijian Drua and NSW Waratahs claimed wins over the weekend, although the Drua were pushed much further than their Australian counterparts.
In the first preseason game under new head coach, former referee Glen Jackson, the Drua made history by hosting Los Angeles MLR club RFCLA in Lautoka. It was the first contest between Super Rugby and MLR teams.
it took just four minutes for the visitors to get on the board, with English hooker Ben Sugars crossing the whitewash to open the scoring. Five minutes later, the Drua responded to set the tone for what would be a back-and-forth contest.
The Americans’ star half duo of Gonzalo Bertranou and Christian Leali’ifano each added to their side’s score, but not enough to escape a 19-all draw at halftime.
The Drua continued the strike rate in the second period, while the MLR club fell off the pace under the Fijian sun. The home side eventually ran out to a 33-26 victory.
“The players gained valuable experience and a deeper connection as a new team, both on and off the field this past week. We’re also very proud to be the first MLR team to play against a Super Rugby side,” said Marc Carter, Rugby General Manager for RFCLA.
“We had minimal outdoor preparation back home due to the LA fires, and used our time to help in our community during this difficult time, which we will continue to do when we return.”
Meanwhile, in Australia, it was a much more one-sided affair as the Waratahs took on a NSW Pasifica side in a triple-header, along with their women’s and U20 colleagues.
40-0 in favour of the Super Rugby side was the scoreline by halftime, with NSW Pasifica going down fighting in the second period, slowing the Waratahs’ role slightly and scoring a try of their own.
The five-pointer was of little consequence in the end though, with the Waratahs wracking up 73 points thanks to tries from Julian Heavan, Clem Halaholo, Teddy Wilson, Henry O’Donnell (2), Triston Reilly (2), James Hendren (2), Ethan Dobbins and Jackson Ropata.
“There were some really good passages. I thought that in the first 20 minutes, we were really clinical,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said after the win.
“We got a bit loose there at times, but that is going to happen in trial games.
“We just have to be more ruthless there at times, but overall I am really pleased.
“It was great of the NSW Pasifica team for giving the hit out, and it looks like we’ve got through injury-free as well, which is always a bonus. “
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