Blues were absolutely too good for the Fijian Drua even when they were playing away in front of the Drua’s passionate home fortress in Suva by 0-34. On the same night going south at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, we did see a much tighter contest following another state v state clash between Waratahs and Reds.
But again, Reds’ attacking backline were key to outshine the Waratahs in one particular area to close out the game, and they did so too in fine fashion by 21-28.
While Blues stay on track inside 5th alongside Reds holding on clear 4th just ahead by a single point, it’s looking tough and tougher by the week from the Waratahs unfortunately as of late.
Having seen Joseph Suaalii hauled off due to injury along with a lack of ideas to stop the Reds from walking out 1st towards full-time, those next three games – the last three to finish off 2025 – by the Waratahs will be the toughest one yet again if they want to end up being Top 6 by the end of this month.
Don’t know what to say other than being clueless based on their recent form with their away results not a good pill to swallow.
And yes, Drua’s 2025 ain’t the same when Mick Byrne took the Fijian National team job post-season last year. They are unlikely taste Finals compared to 2023 and 2024 but they will do whatever it can to finish on a high.
There’s two games to come tomorrow night across the Trans-Tasman with the Crusaders v Chiefs and Western Force v Brumbies.
Top 3 players of the night
Drua v Blues
Corey Evans is right on the money every time he clears out those decks being the Blues’ resident speed demon that also shows excellent team-work at 15.
Taufa Funaki doesn’t disappoint as the Blues’ starting 9 lately that is vital to stay Top 6 who continues to put these fine performances so he knows they’re ahead like last week v Western Force.
Drua could’ve used a trick or two especially when they had less ball but their young 4 Mesake Vocevoce was the Drua’s hit song tonight – like how he outmuscled the Blues defense including one that almost led to a TRY.
Waratahs v Reds
From Suva to the Sydney Allianz, Tim Ryan on the left 11 provided his junkyard dog push that turned into a number of rewarding tries. Filipo Daugunu, unbelievably creative on the outside 13 – take note of that Joe, seems we’ve got a surprise right here this July v the Lions.
And unlucky from Waratahs with Joseph knocked out in the head and their attack just difficult to match that spark, Langi Gleeson took no prisoners at the heart of their back row & he won’t give up with the last three games tough inc. last two away to see out 2025.
