Waratahs vs Fijian Drua Prediction: Tahs to sink Drua in Sydney
The Waratahs will look to make it two wins from two at the start of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season when they host Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium on Friday morning (08:35, Sky Sports+).
Alex Jack provides his best bets in his Waratahs vs Fijian Drua prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Sydney.
Waratahs vs Fijian Drua Betting Tips
*odds correct at time of publication
Team News
Starting with the hosts, the Waratahs have a front row of Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins and Daniel Botha, with skipper Matt Philip and Miles Amatosero in the second row.
Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu start in the back row, with Jake Gordon and Lawson Creighton in the half-backs.
Joey Walton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii start in the centres, while Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter and James Hendren go again in the back three.
As for Drua, the visitors go with Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge in the front row, with locks Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua in behind.
Joseva Tamani, Motikiai Murray and Elia Canakaivata complete the pack, with Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the half-backs.
Isikeli Rabitu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre start in the centres, while the Fijian outfit go with a back three of Taniela Rakuro, Ponipate Loganimasi and Ilaisa Droasese.
The Waratahs are the 1/5 favourites to claim the victory on Friday, while Fijian Drua are 18/5 to cause an upset in Sydney.
A draw at Allianz Stadium this week is 28/1, while over 57.5 total points to be scored in Friday night’s encounter is 5/6.
Waratahs -17 handicap @ 13/10
Naming an unchanged starting XV from the side that earned a 36-12 bonus point win over rivals the Reds in Round 1, that continuity will serve the Tahs well ahead of Friday’s clash with Fijian Drua.
The Waratahs lead 17-12 at the break, but came alive in the second 40 to secure a comfortable win against their rivals from Queensland.
Drua, meanwhile, had an opener to forget, as they suffered a 40-26 home defeat at the hands of Moana Pasifika.
With a quick turnaround, it's hard to see Drua sorting their defensive structures in time to prevent the Waratahs not only winning on Friday but doing so comfortably.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Max Jorgensen first tryscorer @ 13/2
Bagging a brace of tries in his opening game of the Super Rugby Pacific season against the Reds, Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen is more than capable of adding to his try tally against Drua.
Scoring the second try of the game against the Reds, Jorgensen can go one better this time around and is good value at odds of 13/2 to bag the first try of the game on Friday at Allianz Stadium.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
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New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.
