Waratahs v Fijian Drua: Super Rugby Friday preview

The Waratahs will be out to make it two wins from two when they entertain Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific on Friday night.

The New South Wales outfit are seen as outsiders to go on and win the grand final in 2025, but have started well by winning their opening match.

They are the hot fancies to beat Fijian Drua, but there can be no room for complacency.

The Drua are in need of a big lift after losing their opening two games, but can take heart from the fact they beat the Waratahs the last time they met.

It is very early days in the season but there is already plenty at stake for both sides heading into the clash at Allianz Stadium.

Waratahs v Fijian Drua betting preview

Waratahs begin with a win

The Waratahs began their Super Rugby campaign in perfect fashion with a win, but it was nervy to say the least.

They edged out the Highlanders 37-36 at Allianz Stadium, scoring five tries in the process.

Siosifa Amone helped himself to a couple, while Tane Edmed starred with the boot, kicking two conversions and two penalty goals.

The duo helped themselves to 10 points each and will be looking to kick on against Drua.

The Waratahs have a good record against Drua in Sydney, winning all four games by an average margin of just over 24 points.

They do struggle to pick up back-to-back wins, however, and the last time they did it was Round 13 in 2023.

You have to go back further, to 2014, to find a time when the Tahs began the season with back-to-back wins.

They may not get a better chance to snap that drought than on Friday night.

Drua aim to cause an upset

Fijian Drua may not have the best record against NSW Waratahs, but they have shown they can compete against them.

They managed to snap a four-game losing streak against them in the last Super Rugby meeting, winning a Golden Point thriller, 39-36.

That game was on home soil, however, and it will be a different story trying to get the job done on the road.

The last time they met in Sydney, the Waratahs won 32-18, and that is the closest Drua have got to them. Now the aim on Friday night will be to close the gap further.

Conceding points has been an issue though, leaking at least 32 points in each of the last five games against them.

They have managed to score over 30 points in their last three Super Rugby games, but have lost all three, so it is clear where the issues lie.

Tevita Ikanivere will be a threat for the Drua. He enjoys playing against the Tahs, scoring a try in each of his last three games against them.

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Waratahs v Fijian Drua odds

Waratahs - 1.28
Fijian Drua - 3.75

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.