Waratahs Unleash Record-Breaking Try in Super Rugby Women’s History, Igniting the Competition

The Fijian Drua kicked off the Super Rugby Women’s season in spectacular fashion, scoring a try merely eight seconds into their match in Sydney.

Drua centre Vitalina Naikore, who also plays for the NRLW’s North Queensland Cowboys, seized the moment in Friday’s season opener as the reigning champions, NSW Waratahs, struggled to respond to a routine kickoff at Allianz Stadium.

This match was a chance for the Drua to exact revenge after last year’s grand final, in which they were overwhelmed by the Waratahs, suffering a heavy 50-14 defeat.

Naikore’s try is thought to be the swiftest recorded in the history of the competition.

“How fantastic is that? We anticipated Fiji would bring excitement,” remarked former sevens player Dom du Toit during the half-time commentary on Stan Sport.

“They managed to score in just eight seconds and displayed immense intent. I also admire the style of rugby they are playing.

“They are pushing the boundaries a bit. We’ve seen some clever chip and chases, but they really backed themselves. Naikore’s early try was the first example of their determination, which they maintained throughout the first half.

“Many of their scoring opportunities emerged from broken play, and that’s when they truly shine.”

Waratahs star Georgina Friedrichs crossed the line with just 30 seconds remaining, giving the home side a glimmer of hope for a comeback.

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However, the Drua held firm, clinching a 23-17 win, celebrating as though they had just won the grand final.

“What a massive upset! Nobody saw that coming. You can truly see the meaning it holds for each player. This is going to shake up the competition,” remarked Wallabies legend Tim Horan on Stan Sport.

The match was witnessed by a sizeable crowd, who remained to watch the men’s teams of the Waratahs and Drua battle it out in Super Rugby Pacific.

“What a letdown. It’s always disappointing to kick off the season in such a manner. You can’t win matches without possessing the ball,” commented Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor on Stan Sport.

Triple international Allana Ferguson praised the Drua as “absolutely phenomenal.”

“They emerged with tremendous intent,” Ferguson observed on Stan Sport.

“We knew Naikore would be a key try scorer, and she proved that early on. The intent behind their play was unmistakable – they aimed to be physical.

“They kept possession to build fatigue in the opposition but genuinely played to their strengths.”

The Drua faced a challenging pre-season due to the fallout from a serious homophobic scandal in Fiji.

Laijipa Naulivou, the director of rugby at Fiji Rugby Union and a former national women’s captain, was dismissed just days after taking on the role this month.

Naulivou made headlines for her comments in the Fiji Sun newspaper, stating that the nation has a “gay problem” and adding that “those who played with me know that I do not condone being gay for women in rugby.”