The Fiji Airways Drua side started the National Rugby Championship on a high note after hammering Melbourne Rising 40-17 at Nausori’s Ratu Cakobau Park yesterday.

Both teams struggled to keep hold of the ball in the early stages in what was a very tight and scrappy affair before the Drua broke free to notch six tries to three.

Levani Kurumudu and Alivereti Veitokani scored a try each to put them into the lead 14-7 before the break.

The Drua came firing in the second half adding four tries which came from Apisalome Waqatabu, Serupepeli Vularika, John Dyer and Apete Daveta.

Coach Senirusi Seruvakula says they players delivered an outstanding performance in their opening match.

“They came and showcased their talent and we played to another level from Skipper Cup and we played against the Super Rugby players and the Wallabies front row and these boys have really stepped up and very proud of them and now we’re building confidence we can match this team but it also a learning experience for us.”

Melbourne Rising Coach Eoin Toolan says they just need more time to adapt to their game plan.

“Tough start to the campaign and all credit to Fiji they played some exceptional rugby and we probably little off our guys haven’t played together for quite a while and our accuracy and tackle was little bit off.”

The Drua faces Brisbane City next week while the Rising meets the Canberra Vikings.

Meanwhile, Queensland Country have begun their title defense with a solid 45-35 win over theVikings.

The defending champions ran in six tries to five.