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Fijiana Drua book place in Super W decider with stunning comeback win

(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Reigning champions Fijiana Drua are the first side through to the 2023 Super W grand final following a gripping 20-17 semi-final triumph over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

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In a rematch of last year’s title decider, the Drua staged a gallant comeback from 17-0 down early on to secure a thrilling victory at Concord Oval.

Chasing a second title in as many seasons in the competition, the Drua will play the winner of Sunday’s second semi-final between the Queensland Reds and Brumbies.

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Centre Vani Arei’s second try 10 minutes from fulltime put the Drua in front for the first time and, despite attacking the opposition line in the closing minutes, the Waratahs were unable to conjure a winning play.

It was a disappointing end to the season for the Waratahs, who had entered the play-offs as unbeaten minor premiers and eyeing a fifth crown in six years.

They looked on track to gain sweet revenge for last year’s grand final defeat after racing to a 17-0 lead in as many minutes with a try in the opening seconds to Desiree Miller and following up quickly by further five-pointers to fellow winger Maya Stewart and hooker Adiana Talakai.

But Miller only converted one of them as the Drua hit back with two tries in four minutes mid-half to powerhouse prop Siteri Rasolea and Arei to trail 17-12 at the break.

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A 42nd-minute penalty goal to fullback Luisa Tisolo dragged the Fijians to within two points of the Tahs, who produced a spirited defence display to keep the Drua at bay despite being under pressure for most of the second half.

But Arei finally broke through in the 70th minute as the Drua snapped a three-match losing streak to break Waratahs hearts and progress to the GF.

The Tahs had trounced the Drua 31-5 in round three at the same venue and entered the finals favourites for the title.

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R
RedWarriors 13 minutes ago
The Springbok selection experiment is far from over

SA and NZ were the main countries “Whining” about the draw that put SA/NZ/IRE/FRA all on the same side of the draw. Ireland, France and Scotland are well used to it. Most countries have come face to face with the biased draw and scheduling many times since the RWC was inaugurated in 1987.

Everyone agreed the draw was a farce , but yes someone had to pox their way through and that was SA. You get to play a France team in the QF before they have a knock out win under their belt. You won as the inferior team, the world saw that. If the draw had been harder for SA and you were scheduled to play Scotland the week before then you were out.

England were stronger for most of the match with a 9 point lead with 10 to go. They will be massively disapointed to lose from there especially with the non peanalty awarded at the end.

Lastly, you needed a red card to beat NZ. 100%. Not in doubt. It was a 1 point game. You were losing without the red.

SA beat what was in front of them. Not in doubt. That they were lucky is not in doubt either. That the draw made the win significantly easier for SA to get past the QF, is not in doubt either. You play France in the SF or final, you are losing badly.

So well done on teh wins. But less stop with the ‘Are SA the greatest team in history” rubbish.

‘Butt hurt’? Thats an Americanism to imply homosexuality? On about raping women now lobbing homophobic comments. Some of you Saffers, past and present have a very very disturbing attitude…historically and present day.

54 Go to comments
N
NB 2 hours ago
Have England suddenly become a 'lucky' team?

I think you need to look at some examples in order to get your facts straight.


If you look at the second gif in the article https://imgur.com/a/6QNcVtB#NG27wFf , you can see that Scotland are running the shape I describe, and the ‘flat option’ does not actively impede a tackler so has no need to retreat.


Ditto this one https://imgur.com/a/hNktXel#gbQSsT4 . There is no significant contact with a defender by the flat option, so why does it need to [over-]refereed?


I feel you’re trying to address an issue that exists mostly in your own imagination, not one that exists out on the field of play.

83 Go to comments
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