The Waratahs’ 28-14 loss against the Fijian Drua on Saturday could end up being a major source of regret at the end of the season. Yes, Lautoka has been a fortress for the Fijians but this current Drua side had been in a rut and you could see all the self-doubt return when the Waratahs pulled the game back to 21-14 with about 20 minutes to go.

With Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii constantly beating the first defender, the game was there to be won, but the Waratahs will reflect on some inaccurate play and soft defending that allowed the Drua to build a first-half lead. The Hurricanes and the Blues are lurking behind the Waratahs on the ladder. At least one of them will make a finals push, and the Waratahs have a difficult run home.

The 34-year-old James O’Connor has defied his New Zealand critics to make a success of his move to the Crusaders, where he has carved out a strong role as an impact player. But there is a bloke in Perth, just one year younger, who is probably making a more significant impression on Joe Schmidt’s thinking. Nic White was outstanding for the Force against the Hurricanes, continuing his strong run of recent form. He’s certainly in the top three Australian halfbacks for form in........

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