The Fijian Drua have consolidated their spot on top of the 2018 NRC ladder after an incredible 48 – 7 win over the NSW Country Eagles in Suva, Fiji.
The wet and muggy Suva weather did nothing to dampen the Fijians firing play as they piled four tries on the Eagles in each half.
The NSW country-men tried their best to fend off the Fijians, but their speedy ad hoc rugby proved too much as the Eagles were left scratching their heads multiple times.
The locals wasted no time as they set the tone of the match when Serupepeli Vularika scored for the Drua not even a minute into the game.
An over shot in the line out from Eagles Tolu Latu, provided the Drua with their next opportunity for an incredible try, Aporosa Tabulawaki nabbing a try just four minutes in.
Despite having a man in the bin, Fiji was able to sneak yet another past the Eagles as Eramasi Radrodro pushed the score to 17-0.
The NSW line out proved to be a point of weakness targeted by the Drua as they scored another try off a long pass from Tolu Latu.
Albert Tuisue had no one in front of him when he crossed over the line for the Drua's fourth try of the first half, the score 24 – 0.
The Fijians dominated the Eagles all first half but Mahe Vailanu made a noticeable difference to the NSW set piece as he took the field in place of Tolu Latu.
Vailanu threw two line-outs from two and was able to crash over for the Eagles just past half time, securing their first and only try of the game.
The Fijians lead by 17 points at half time but that was immediately pushed to a 21-point lead as Kurumudu scored in the first minute of the second half.
Whether it was the 15 hours of travel or the wet and muggy conditions in Suva, NSW Country could not match the Fijians swift and unpredictable play.
Both Tabulawaki and Voka scored doubles for the Drua, the final score 48 – 7.
There's just two weeks left of the regular competition and the Fijian Drua have now won four games in five.
They will host the Canberra Vikings in round six at home on Saturday at 1pm AEST.
The Eagles have only managed to snag one win so far, and will host Brisbane City next Sunday in Camden at 3pm.
Result
Fiji 48
Tries: Tabulawaki 2, Vota 2, Vularika, Radrodro, Tuisue, Kurumudu,
Cons: Waqatabu 4
NSW Country 7
Tries: Vailanu
Cons: Mason
