First-half tries from Will Harris and Dave Porecki, both off the back of some solid set-piece, plus Ben Donaldson’s trusty boot, opened up a 21-3 lead at the break and the Drua simply couldn’t recover in their maiden Super Rugby outing.

Playing off a dominant scrum platform, Lalakai Foketi, Angus Bell and Gordon picked up five-pointers on a night that new coach Coleman could only have dreamed of when he took the job.

When Donaldson missed a conversion just before half-time, the ball soared towards a southern stand at CommBank Stadium with not a single fan in sight.

Sure, there were plenty in other areas of the stadium, but NSW supporters have left in droves after 13 straight losses last year.

However, Friday’s crushing win was the first stepping stone to restoring pride in a jersey that eight years ago stood atop the Super Rugby dais.

The Waratahs need to bottle this winning feeling and savour it, for it has been a long time between celebratory beers.

Coleman has had success in the Shute Shield, as well as other parts of the globe, but Super Rugby is a step up and he nailed his first examination, as did the likes of Jason Gilmore and Chris Whittaker, who survived last year’s cleanout.

“I hope the boys enjoy a few winners beers,” Coleman said. “They have earned them.

“Probably not the sheer elation I was expecting, maybe because the game was a bit closed out with a bit to go. I’m just really happy for guys like Jake and Gilly [Jason Gilmore] and Whitts [Chris Whittaker] and the staff and players who went through that last year. It was a monkey off the back but for them, they should be really happy.”

Coleman conceded he was nervous before kick-off and declared, despite the horror show of last year, “we’re definitely here to win”. He is not one for mediocrity.

The former Warringah and Gordon coach has a knack of transforming struggling teams into title contenders. The early evidence, albeit against a weaker opposition well below their best, will buoy disgruntled Waratahs fans.

NSW were aggressive in defence and spread the ball well.

Defence was almost obsolete at the back-end of last season, with NSW conceding an average of 53 points in their five matches against Kiwi opponents.

This was the fewest points they have conceded since round 12 in 2016 against the Bulls in a 31-8 victory.

Importantly, it was the Waratahs’ first victory to begin a Super Rugby campaign since 2018.

A brilliant pre-match Bole - a traditional Fijian war dance - from the visiting team was a fitting way to begin Super Rugby’s newest era, featuring a new Fijian and Pasifika presence.

But it was NSW who opened up an early 10-0 lead thanks to a penalty and a Harris pick and drive under the sticks.

Fiji failed to bring the flair we hoped for and were sloppy at set-piece, however, showed enough promising signs to indicate they will sneak a few victories under respected coach Mick Byrne.

Too many turnovers (19) hampered Drua’s ability to build phases and any real pressure.

High on confidence after a polished pre-season, NSW will be pleased with this start, in particular their forwards who all played with passion.

Gordon provided crisp service to No.10 Donaldson, who looks comfortable in his second season of Super Rugby.

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Foketi scored the Waratahs’ third try to make it 26-3, while another 2021 Wallabies debutant, Izaia Perese, made his fair share of post-contact metres.

Returning second-rower Jed Holloway didn’t shy away from the tough stuff but his sensational pass to Bell for a try was an equal highlight of the night along with Gordon’s intercept five-pointer.

Drua got their maiden Super Rugby try in the 65th minute courtesy of Nemani Nagusa but the damage had already been done. Former British and Irish Lions representative Jamie Roberts entered the field in the 67th minute but had limited involvement.

The rebuild is officially under way at the Waratahs.