Fijian Drua Women to Face Waratahs in 2024 Super W Final

The Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women's rugby team has secured their place in the 2024 Super W final after defeating the Western Force 25-14 in the semi-final at Laucala Bay in Fiji. The Drua will face the Waratahs in the championship match on April 28 at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

In the semi-final, the Drua got off to a shaky start in the first half but found their rhythm after the break, sticking to their signature Fijiana playing style and scoring tries. Center Vani Arei expressed her joy in winning at home, stating that it was "always sweet."

The Drua acknowledged the support of their families, friends, and fans who turned up for the game.

Despite the victory, Drua head coach Mosese Rauluni was not fully satisfied with the team's performance, citing poor decision-making and missed scoring opportunities. "We lacked clinical finishing and need to improve in several areas, such as reducing penalties and improving reaction time, before facing the Waratahs in the final," Rauluni said. He was on his feet for the entire match, preferring to watch the game live rather than on a screen.

The Drua are looking to turn the tables on the Waratahs, who had previously thrashed them 62-21 in Lautoka last month. Arei emphasized the need for the team to settle into the game from the start, having learned from their earlier loss. Despite being considered the underdogs, the Drua women are confident heading into the final.

Why this matters: The Fijian Drua's success in reaching the Super W final highlights the growth and competitiveness of women's rugby in the Pacific region. Their performance in the championship match could inspire more young women in Fiji and beyond to take up the sport.

The Super W final between the Fijian Drua and the Waratahs is scheduled to kick off at 4 pm Fiji time on April 28 at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane. The Drua are aiming to win the competition for the third time in a row, but the unbeaten Waratahs have been impressive throughout the regular season and in their 47-27 semi-final victory over the Brumbies.

As Rauluni noted, "The Drua have yet to hit their best form," setting the stage for an exciting championship match.

Key Takeaways

• Fijian Drua women's rugby team reaches 2024 Super W final, defeating Western Force.
• Drua to face Waratahs in the championship match on April 28 in Brisbane, Australia.
• Drua coach Rauluni not fully satisfied with the team's performance, cites areas for improvement.
• Drua aiming to win Super W competition for the third time in a row.
• Drua considered underdogs, but women are confident heading into the final match.