The NSW Waratahs Women have finished the regular season undefeated after a comprehensive 34-19 victory over the Queensland Reds Women at Allianz Stadium.
The home side may have wrapped up the Minor Premiership last round, but there were no signs of complacency on display as NSW opened the scoring in just the fifth minute through the strength of Leilani Nathan from close range.
Exciting fullback Caitlyn Halse then followed that up three minutes later with a brilliant 60-metre long-range effort. Arabella McKenzie’s second conversion took the Waratahs out to an early 14-0 lead.
Unfortunately, the Waratahs took their feet off the accelerator for the next portion of the first half and were far from their clinical best.
To further compound Coach Mike Ruthven’s frustration, lock Kaitlan Leaney was also issued a yellow card for a lifting tackle in the 33rd minute.
With Leaney off the field, Reds hooker Tiarna Molloy burrowed over for a try two minutes later. Flyhalf Carys Dallinger converted to reduce the visitor’s deficit to seven points.
McKenzie’s penalty goal on the stroke of half-time took NSW’s advantage out to 17-7 at the break.
The Waratahs came out with renewed vigour in the second stanza and opened the scoring four minutes into the half with Desiree Miller finishing off some crisp passing out the backline.
Miller’s wing partner Maya Stewart then got in on the action in the 60th minute on the back of a lovely ball from inside centre Katrina Barker.
But Queensland hit back through consecutive tries to tighthead prop Charli Jacoby and inside centre Cecillia Smith.
A try as the full-time siren sounded by Barker, and subsequent conversion from Miller sealed a 34-19 victory for the Waratahs.
“I’m really proud of our start to the match,” Ruthven said. We were really good early and that fast start got us on the front foot.
“We knew the Reds were going to compete hard and they definitely challenged us through the middle of the game.
“It was pleasing to finish on a high note with a try and hopefully it gives us a nice little confidence boost heading into the semi-finals next week.”
After finishing on top of the Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s ladder, the Waratahs will enjoy a home semi-final next Friday at 5:45pm AEST at Allianz Stadium.
“A home final next Friday is really important for the girls,” Ruthven said. “It’s a standalone fixture here at Allianz and I know the girls will be really up for that. I hope we get a good crowd out here to support the team as it makes a world of difference.”
NSW Waratahs Women 34
Tries: Leilani Nathan, Caitlyn Halse, Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart, Katrina Barker
Goals: Arabella McKenzie 2/4, Desiree Miller 1/1
Penalty Goals: Arabella McKenzie 1/1
Queensland Reds Women 19
Tries: Tiarna Molloy, Charli Jacoby, Cecilia Smith
Goals: Carys Dallinger 1/1, Lori Cramer 1/2
Penalty Goals:
