The NSW Waratahs Women reaffirmed their place at the top of Australian women’s rugby, claiming their sixth Super Rugby Women’s title – and their second in as many years - with a commanding 43-21 win over the Queensland Reds in the Grand Final at North Sydney Oval today (Saturday).
A strong first half saw the NSW Waratahs go into the break of the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's Grand Final with a 19-7 lead, before powering home in the second half to secure their win before a 2,113 crowd.
NSW Waratahs Women’s Head Coach Mike Ruthven said a back-to-back win on home soil was even more special. Last year the Grand Final was at Ballymore, Brisbane where the NSW Waratahs Women beat the Fijian Drua.
“It’s incredible, and a credit to Rugby Australia who put the event on,” Ruthven said.
“It is so good to see these people out here supporting these amazing women.
“They are tremendous athletes, unbelievable footy players.
“Hopefully they went away with a really enjoyable experience.
"The more we can promote it, showcase their talents … it’s what the game deserves.”
As for his own emotions in a game that swung, Ruthven said: “You ride a few waves of emotion through momentum shift, but it’s always important to try to stay as composed as you can and make sure the messaging is really clear.
"I am absolutely pumped. The group is amazing. I am super proud and super grateful to be in the position I am in.”
It took eight minutes into the game for the NSW Waratahs to open their account.
Winger Desi Miller, later named 'Player of the Match,' set up the first five-pointer, burst down the wing, passed to fullback Caitlyn Halse who passed to Friederichs to score. Flyhalf Arabella McKenzie converted to put them 7-0 up.
The NSW Waratahs Women continued to dominate possession and territory, and before long lock Kaitlan Leaney crashed over following some brilliant work by the forwards. McKenzie was unable to convert, but they were still 12-0 up.
The Queensland Reds showed class in the 27th minute when tighthead prop Eva Karpani muscled her way over from close range, and flyhalf Lori Cramer’s successful conversion brought the visitors right back into the contest at 12-7.
But the NSW Waratahs Women responded swiftly. Tighthead prop Faliki Pohiva finished off a classic pick-and-go just before the break, with McKenzie adding the conversion to extend the lead to 19-7 as the teams headed for the sheds.
The second half resumed at a frenetic pace, with both sides making tactical substitutions.
The Queensland Reds drew first blood after the interval when scrumhalf Layne Morgan darted over. Cramer again made no mistake with the boot to narrow the gap to 19-14.
But any hopes of a Reds comeback were quickly dashed when McKenzie slotted a penalty goal to steady the ship and put her side 22-14 up before Miller produced another moment of individual brilliance.
Miller, who was instrumental throughout the game, slid through the defense to score a stunning solo try. McKenzie added the conversion to push the lead out to 29-14.
The Queensland Reds refused to lie down. After coming off the bench, Cristo Taufua brought the traveling Reds fans to their feet with a determined close-range try. Cramer’s conversion made it 29-21 and kept the contest alive heading into the final quarter.
The NSW Waratahs were not to be denied. Prop Emily Robinson powered over after another superb passage of passing play, and McKenzie to make it 36-21.
With minutes remaining, NSW put the icing on the cake. Another fluid attacking move ended with Friedrichs bagging her second try of the match. McKenzie coolly slotted the conversion, sealing a famous 43-21 victory for the home side.
Throughout the match, both coaches made frequent use of their benches, injecting fresh legs in an attempt to wrest control.
After the game, the NSW Waratahs Women were ecstatic for their victory, singing their team song at the trophy presentation and later in the locker room among themselves.
Miller, for whom this was her second Grand Final victory, said she was surprised by her Player of the Match Award when asked by the media.
“I had the least expectation there [about winning the award]. With so many girls it was a massive team effort,” Miller said.
“There were mistakes made but we came back through them and showed a lot of resilience. It was a team effort, and I think everyone deserves this medal.”
Asked about her ability to perform on the “big stage’ of a Grand Final, Miller said: “I think it comes down to … I wouldn’t say patriotism, but I love my girls, and I love my club so much and when they care about it, I care about it.
"When I see them care, it makes me care even more for them. It’s the environment and the vibe that we have.”
Tries: Georgina Friedrichs 2, Kaitlan Leaney, Faliki Pohiva, Desi Miller, Emily Robinson
Cons: Arabella McKenzie 5/6
Pens: Arabella McKenzie 1/1
Tries: Eva Karpani, Layne Morgan, Christon Taufua
Cons: Lori Cramer 3/3
