The NSW Waratahs Women have confirmed their team for Sunday’s highly anticipated Round 3 Super Rugby Women’s derby against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore in Brisbane.
Following a mixed start to the season, NSW Waratahs Women Head Coach Mike Ruthven has maintained consistency in his selection, while still making key changes in the forward pack.
After a narrow loss to the Fijian Drua in Round 1, the NSW Waratahs Women bounced back last week with an impressive come-from-behind Round 2 victory over the Western Force at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney.
Ruthven is confident in the team’s preparations heading into this crucial away derby encounter against the Queensland Reds.
“We’re reasonably consistent in our selections this week, which is great for continuity,” Ruthven said.
“It’s nice to have that stability, but we’ve also made some key changes in the forwards.
One of the standout inclusions is the return of experienced hooker and Wallaroo, Adiana Talakai to the starting lineup.
After making her comeback from an ACL injury off the bench in the first two rounds (scoring the match-winning try last week), Talakai’s experience and work ethic will be invaluable against a physical Queensland Reds side.
“Adi’s return is a huge boost for the group. She’s worked incredibly hard to get back to this point, and having her class and leadership in the starting side will make a big impact,” Ruthven added.
Another notable change sees Falika Pohiva stepping in as the starting tighthead prop, bringing added strength and aggression to the front row.
“Falika’s physicality and presence in the collision space will be really important for us,” Ruthven said.
The NSW Waratahs will also welcome Seneti Kilisimani to the match squad for the first time. The powerful forward is set to make her Super Rugby Women’s debut off the bench.
“Neti has worked really hard throughout the pre-season and has been focused over the last couple of weeks,” Ruthven said.
“She’s a big, impactful player in the contact area, and we’re excited for her to get her opportunity,” Ruthven noted.
Hooker Millie Parker also returns to the squad after missing Round 2, adding further depth and competition in the forward pack.
“Millie was impressive in Round 1, and we’re pleased to have her back in the squad this week,” Ruthven said.
With a strong and experienced forward pack named, Ruthven expects a tough and physical contest against their traditional rivals.
“It’s a derby game, so we’re expecting a physical encounter,” he said.
“We feel like we’ve picked a squad that can get the job done in and around that contact and collision space.”
Despite the rivalry, Ruthven insists that the team’s focus remains on continual improvement.
“We haven’t spoken too much about the history between the Waratahs and the Reds,” he said.
“Every game in this competition is like a Grand Final, and our focus is on delivering an improved performance from the last two weeks.
Talakai, however, didn’t shy away from the traditional rivalry, humorously remarking, “Better be dead than red” when talking to the media on Tuesday.
Ruthven acknowledged the passion in the group.
“The girls are passionate about this fixture," he said. "The rivalry adds extra motivation. I enjoy the banter they throw around.”
In terms of injuries, the NSW Waratahs have a near-full squad available, with only Caitlyn Halse sidelined as she continues her recovery from a hamstring injury.
“We’ve got 31 of 32 players fit and available, which is a credit to our medical and S&C [strength and conditioning] staff,” Ruthven said.
The NSW Waratahs Women's team to play the Queensland Reds in Rd 3
1. Bridie O'Gorman
2. Adiana Talakai
3. Faliki Pohiva
4. Kaitlan Leaney
5. Annabelle Codey
6. Leilani Nathan
7. Emily Chancellor (vc)
8. Piper Duck (c)
9. Tatum Bird
10. Arabella McKenzie
11. Desiree Miller
12. Katrina Barker
13. Georgina Friedrichs (vc)
14. Maya Stewart
15. Waiaria Ellis
Reserves
16. Millie Parker
17. Emily Robinson
18. Seneti Kilisimasi
19. Tahlia Morgan
20. Ruby Anderson
21. Tiarne Cavanagh
22. Nicole Nathan
23. Amelia Whitaker
Match Details
NSW Waratahs Women v the Queensland Reds
When: at 3.05 pm (AEDT) Sunday, 16 March 2025
Where: Ballymore, Brisbane, Queensland
The game will be televised Live, ad-free and on-demand on Stan Sport – The Home of Rugby
