Emily Chancellor set for return in this weeks trial against the Blues

Emily Chancellor is set to join twenty-five of her NSW Waratahs teammates as they face the Blues in their final trial match in Auckland on Saturday.

Chancellor’s return marks a significant moment for the NSW Waratahs, as she makes her long-awaited comeback after suffering an ACL injury in Round 1 of the 2024 Super Rugby Women’s season.

This weekend’s clash promises to be a battle of heavyweights, with both teams having won their respective competitions in 2024.

After a shaky start against the Hurricanes, the NSW Waratahs will aim for a strong opening. Faliki Pohiva will lead the charge in the front row, alongside Wallaroo Bridie O’Gorman and Brittany Merlo.

In the second row, Jayjay Taylor and Tahila Morgan will pair up for the first time, while the back row remains unchanged, featuring Captain Piper Duck at number eight, with Leilani Nathan and Ruby Anderson as the flankers.

One of the most notable changes this week is Caitlyn Halse stepping in at fly-half for the first time in her career. She will form the halves combination with Tatum Bird at scrum-half.

Veteran players Katrina Barker and Georgina Friedrichs will provide leadership in the midfield, while the ever-dangerous back three—Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart, and Waiaria Ellis—will look to capitalize on attacking opportunities.

Head coach Mike Ruthven has opted for a 6-5 bench split, featuring Millie Parker, Emily Robinson, Seneti Kilismasi, and Siusiuosalafai Volkman as the front-row replacements.

Chancellor will make her much-anticipated return off the bench, nearly a year since last donning the sky blue jersey. Hollie Cameron rounds out the forward pack.

Among the backs, Tiarne Cavanagh will cover scrum-half, while Nicole Nathan, Jacinta Windsor, Jade Sheridan, and Amelia Whitaker complete the finishing group.

Could this match be a preview of the 2025 Women’s Super Rugby Championship Final? While both teams will be eyeing back-to-back titles this season, this trial match serves as the perfect stage for them to assert their dominance ahead of the campaign.

NSW Waratahs Women vs Blues Women

8 February - Gribblehirst Park, Auckland

Kick-off 2:00 PM AEDT