Super Rugby Pacific Round 2: Waratahs Thrash Fijian Drua 36-13 to Stay Unbeaten

Waratahs. Ruthless. 36-13 over the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium. Unbeaten start to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season intact. Max Jorgensen crossed for a try as the hosts controlled this one from first whistle to last. Total dominance in front of a packed Sydney crowd.

Waratahs Dominant in Sydney

The Waratahs set the tone early with aggressive forward play and clinical finishing, building a lead that the Drua were never able to seriously threaten. The home side’s defensive structure was outstanding, limiting the Fijian outfit’s trademark offloading game and forcing errors in crucial areas of the field.

Max Jorgensen’s try was one of the highlights of the evening, a piece of finishing that underlined his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Australian rugby. The Waratahs’ attack moved the ball with purpose and precision throughout, creating overlaps on the edges and exploiting the spaces that the Drua’s defence left vacant.

For the Fijian Drua, it was a difficult evening in Sydney. While they managed to cross for tries of their own and showed glimpses of the flair that makes them such a popular addition to the competition, they were outmuscled in the set piece and outworked at the breakdown. The 36-13 scoreline reflected the gulf between the two sides on the night.

Round 2 Fixtures Across the Competition

The Waratahs’ victory was one of several Round 2 fixtures played across the weekend of February 20-22. The round featured a full slate of matches across Australia and New Zealand.

In Wellington, the Hurricanes hosted Moana Pasifika in what promised to be a physical encounter at the capital’s fortress. Down south, the Highlanders welcomed the Chiefs to Dunedin, while in Western Australia, the Western Force took on the Blues at Joondalup.

The Crusaders, seeking to rebuild their dynasty, hosted the ACT Brumbies in a match-up that always carries significant weight in the Super Rugby Pacific landscape. The Queensland Reds had the weekend off on a bye, giving them additional recovery time ahead of a demanding stretch of fixtures.

Waratahs Building Momentum

The Waratahs’ unbeaten start to the season is a significant statement of intent from a franchise that has been rebuilding in recent years. Two wins from two rounds, including the comprehensive demolition of the Drua, suggests that the pieces are falling into place for a genuine tilt at finals football in 2026.

Squad depth has been the story. Contributions from across the park, not reliant on one or two individuals. If this level holds through the long Super Rugby Pacific grind, every opponent will need to take this Waratahs side seriously. Two from two. Statement made.

Follow all rugby union coverage on the Rugby Union Hub.

---

LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com