The Fijiana Drua marked their Super W debut with a 10-try feat, to beat the Rebels 66-5 in Melbourne, and stake their claim atop the Australian Women’s Rugby Super Rugby standings after round one of games.
They picked up a bonus point from the win to lead the standings with five points and a better points difference, ahead of their next Super W opponent, the Queensland Reds.
In the win over Rebels, winger Kolora Lomani and fullback Roela Radiniyavuni scored two tries each in the match that the Drua dominated with their strong running, and great offloads to keep the hosts scoreless until the 77th minute.
But, it was hooker Jiowana Sauto who opened the scoring within nine minutes of play, the first of the front-rowers to etch their names on the try scorers’ tally, enabling vice-captain and fly-half Merewalesi Rokouono to convert. Rokouono was impressive with the conversions as well, going on to convert seven more of their 10-try haul.
Sauto’s fellow front-rowers Vika Matarugu and Karalaini Naisewa also added their names on the scorers’ roll, likewise Vitalina Naikore and Mela Matanatabu.
Team captain Bitila Tawake was pleased with the results, but also thanked the Rebels for the game.
Regarding the win, Tawake said they stuck to the game plan, which they intend to do for the remainder of their games.
The Drua scored four tries in the first half to lead 28-0 at half-time.
Next week, they take on the Reds in the top of the table clash, after the Queenslanders underlined themselves as strong contenders following their seven-try 43-7 win over the Force in their opening encounter. The Reds are second on the Super W standings, followed by Waratahs in third, also with five points.
