Fresh from a stirring Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final performance against the Queensland Reds last Saturday, NSW Waratahs Women’s head coach Mike Ruthven has paid tribute to his squad’s resilience and character.
However, he also quickly turned attention to their next challenge — a showdown against New Zealand’s best, the Auckland Blues.
Reflecting on his side’s Super Rugby Women’s title win, Ruthven said he was incredibly proud of the collective effort that delivered the Waratahs another title.
“You know, super, super proud of the group. It’s definitely been a squad effort,” Ruthven said on Monday at the team’s base at Daceyville in Sydney.
“We've been surrounded by a great group of staff and players.
“It’s not just about those who contributed on the weekend, but everyone who’s worked so hard throughout the year.
“The result is a reflection of the hard work and commitment they have put in through the year.”
But with little time to bask in the triumph, Ruthven’s focus is firmly on Thursday’s inaugural Women's Super Rugby Champions Final.
In that game, the NSW Waratahs Women will face the Auckland Blues, winners of the Super Rugby Aupiki Grand Final that was also held on Saturday.
“We’ve kept a tab on what's been happening over in Aupiki, and we had that first-hand experience with a pre-season trial against the Blues,” Ruthven said.
“They’re a physical team, particularly competitive around the contact and collision areas.
“We’ll be up for a big challenge, but the girls are excited. It’s an important fixture, in terms of the growth and potential expansion of the competition.”
That pre-season encounter — a 36-all draw — offered a possible preview of the competitiveness between the top Australian and New Zealand women’s sides.
Ruthven believes it showed that the perceived gap between the two nations’ competitions is narrower than some may think.
“We don’t go over there feeling any burden,” Ruthven said. “It’s just another challenge.”
The Blues, boasting a roster full of Black Ferns stars, will bring plenty of firepower, particularly with their offload-heavy, post-contact attack.
Ruthven knows his side will need to be razor-sharp defensively to contain their threats.
“They’re a big, physical team,” Ruthven said.
“You give them momentum and they have a tremendous post- contact off-load game.
“If they get in behind you, they are incredibly skillful and dangerous.
“Defensively, we will have to be really sharp.”
Unfortunately, the NSW Waratahs Women will be without winger Maya Stewart, who is undergoing concussion protocols after a head knock in the Grand Final.
“It’s disappointing for Maya. She’s had a fantastic year, and it’s a really disappointing she won’t get the chance to travel with the team,” Ruthven said.
“But we’re confident in the depth of our squad. It’s an opportunity for someone else to come in, compete hard and go well.”
Another key player, hooker Adiana Talakai, is also unlikely to feature, still recovering from a neck injury sustained in the semi-final.
However, Ruthven has full confidence in his wider squad, citing the performances of several players who stepped up during the Grand Final.
“Nicole Nathan did an outstanding job. Having not played in the backrow all season, to jump in there at short notice with limited prep, she was outstanding,” Ruthven said.
“Ruby Anderson was outstanding, probably her best game of the season — she got stuck into the physical stuff and was terrific around that contact and collision space.
“Jade Sheridan was outstanding also. When she came on for Maya, [she] defended incredibly well.”
Where: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
When: Thursday 17 April
Kick-off: 5:05 pm (AEST)
The game will be televised Live on Stan Sport – The Home of RugbyEndFragment
