The NSW Waratahs Women have named their squad to play the Blues in the inaugural Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final in Auckland on Thursday.
NSW Waratahs Women Head Coach Mike Ruthven has named a strong and familiar line-up, with only minor changes from the side that beat the Queensland Reds in the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final.
Winger Maya Stewart is out with concussion sustained in the Grand Final and has been replaced by Jade Sheridan in the starting side.
Amelia Whitaker comes in to the 23-player squad as one of the reserve backs.
Meanwhile, hooker Adiana Talakai (shoulder) is still sidelined, with the No. 2 jersey again being worn by Britt Merlo.
“It’s a very similar team to the one that played in the Grand Final,” Ruthven said.
“Britt Merlo started at hooker for us in the final, and Jade came on and did an outstanding job when Maya went off with concussion.
“We’re really confident in the 23 that we're taking over to New Zealand.”
The NSW Waratahs Women, who flew out from Sydney to Auckland this morning, will face a strong Blues team who qualified for the Women's Super Rugby Champions Final as the Super Rugby Aupiki Grand Final winners.
Ruthven emphasized the physical nature of the New Zealanders and the need for his side to maintain tactical discipline, especially in challenging conditions.
“The forecast isn't great,” Ruthven admitted. “We'll have to rethink a few things.
“Territory will be really critical, and we know they’re a physical, abrasive team that compete hard around contact and collisions.
“We’ll need to be really accurate around that, both in defence and around the breakdown.”
The conditions could prove a stark contrast to the dry, fast pitch the NSW Waratahs Women enjoyed in their Grand Final win over the Queensland Reds.
However, Ruthven is confident his squad has the experience and adaptability needed to handle whatever Auckland’s weather throws at them.
Psychologically, backing up after the emotional high of a Grand Final victory poses its own challenges, but Ruthven believes his players are ready for it.
“That’s why it was important we got back into training straight away,” Ruthven said.
“It was a chance to reflect on the weekend, but also shift focus quickly to the new challenge ahead.
“These girls are highly ambitious and really self-motivated. They’ll be excited about the opportunity to head over there, compete hard and take on the Blues.”
- Bridie O'Gorman
2. Britt Merlo
3. Faliki Pohiva
4. Kaitlan Leaney
5. Annabelle Codey
6. Nicole Nathan
7. Emily Chancellor (c)
8. Ruby Anderson
9. Tatum Bird
10. Arabella McKenzie
11. Desiree Miller
12. Katrina Barker
13. Georgina Friedrichs (vc)
14. Jade Sheridan
15. Caitlyn Halse
Reserves
16. Millie Parker
17. Emily Robinson
18. Seneti Kilisimasi
19. Jayjay Taylor
20. Anahera Hamahona
21. Martha Harvey
22. Amelia Whitaker
23. Waiaria Ellis
When: 5.05 pm (AEST) Thursday, 17 April 2025
Where: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
The game will be televised Live on Stan Sport – The Home of Rugby
