‘We did our homework'

Scoring the Fijian Drua’s winning try against the Hurricanes means a lot to forward Etonia Waqa.

Speaking to SUNsports after the 25-20 win, Waqa dedicated the winning try to his mother and partner.

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua was tied 20-20 against the Hurricanes and in the 66th minute when the blindside flanker dashed from the 20-metre line from an offload from prop Peni Ravai to dive over the left corner to score the try that sealed the win.

“I just want to dedicate my try to Mum and my partner who came from Suva and New Zealand,” he said.

The win was the Drua’s first this season after two consecutive losses to Moana Pasifika and Waratahs in Round 1 and 2, respectively.

Waqa said they always do their homework after every match and they were the better team on Saturday.

“Just sticking together as a team, especially the last 40 minutes,” Waqa said.

“I think we learned from last week’s game (against Waratahs) and full credit to the boys.

The Nabukelevu, Kadavu man who returned to the side after being injured, said there was no pressure to win.

“I think we needed to learn how to jump in, execute our role, and we did it especially in this rainy weather. We came up with a good plan and we followed it and that was the result.”

Asked on what are some of the things they’d like to do better in the next game, Waqa said: “First of all, we’re going to enjoy this win. We’re going to have some time off and connect with family and come back and just learn from our mistakes.”

He also thanked the Drua’s loyal supporters.

“To all the fans who really supported us even when we were down. Thank you.”

Drua head coach Glen Jackson said Waqa is a quality player.

“Eto (Waqa) has come back from a long-term injury that we were hoping he could get good 40 minutes, and then we dragged it out for as long as we possibly could.

“Being the freak that he is, he ends up getting the winning try, essentially, so he’ll get all the credit for that.”