The NSW Waratahs maintained their unbeaten start to the Super Rugby Pacific season with a commanding 36-13 victory over the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium on March 15, 2024. Max Jorgensen once again showcased his remarkable talent, scoring two tries, including a pivotal effort just before halftime that shifted the momentum in favor of the Waratahs.
Trailing 10-7, the Waratahs needed a spark, and Jorgensen provided it with a spectacular solo effort. Flyhalf Lawson Creighton initiated the play with a triple cut-out pass that found Jorgensen, who then executed a dazzling sidestep to evade his opponent, Taniela Rakuro. With impressive speed, the 21-year-old winger outpaced fullback Ilaisa Droasese to score in the left corner, taking the Waratahs ahead just four minutes before the break.
Despite a controversial moment where Jorgensen’s potential second try was disallowed due to a forward pass call, he ultimately found the end zone again. With the match nearing its conclusion, he capitalized on a well-placed grubber kick from Jack Debreczeni, securing the try and delighting the pro-Waratahs crowd of 13,578.
“Such a great, great support crew,” Jorgensen said in a post-match interview with Stan Sport. “The home crowd getting around you really does stuff for you and really pushes you through the full 80 minutes.”
While Jorgensen’s electrifying performance captured the spotlight, it was the forward pack that laid the foundation for the victory. No. 8 Pete Samu and lock Clem Halaholo delivered powerful performances, and replacement hooker Ioane Moananu marked his debut with a try-scoring double after transitioning from the defending champion Crusaders. Flanker Charlie Gamble and replacement lock Angus Blyth also added to the tally, contributing to the Waratahs’ successful run.
This win leaves the Waratahs sitting at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table with two bonus-point victories in their first two matches of the season. Conversely, the Fijian Drua, who suffered a rare home loss last week against Moana Pasifika, now find themselves without a win in their opening matches.
As the season progresses, the NSW Waratahs will look to build on this momentum, with Jorgensen emerging as a key player to watch in the weeks ahead. The combination of his individual brilliance and the strong support from the forward pack has positioned the team as a formidable contender in the competition.
