The NSW Waratahs Women have named their squad for this Sunday’s Super Rugby Women’s semi-final against the Western Force at Leichhardt Oval.
NSW Waratahs Women’s Head coach Mike Ruthven has confirmed that the starting XV remains unchanged from last week, with key additions to the bench set to bolster the team in a crucial knockout encounter.
Ruthven expressed confidence in the consistency of his starting lineup, emphasising that the selections reflect the team’s ongoing improvement and readiness for finals rugby.
“It’s the selection that we believe is the right fit for this game,” Ruthven said.
“We’ve developed significantly since our last match against the Force in Round 2.
“We’re confident that we are a better team now, and our focus remains on delivering a strong performance on Sunday.”
Key Changes on the Bench
The most notable inclusion in the squad is the return of outside back Caitlyn Hasle, who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Ruthven described her return as a “great result” for the team, noting her ability to make an impact off the bench.
“She’s a talented player who gives us a point of difference,” Ruthven said.
“It’s exciting to have her back at the pointy end of the season.
"She’s worked hard in her rehab, and now she’s ready to contribute when it matters most.”
Additionally, centre Jade Sheridan has earned a place on the bench after impressive performances in training and recent matches.
“Jade has been training hard and performed well in the Penina Pasifika game,” Ruthven said.
“She’s earned this opportunity, and we believe she provides the right coverage for the squad.
“Finals footy is about making the right choices for the team, and we feel she’s in a great place to step up when called upon.”
Aiming for Redemption and Finals Glory
With finals football now in full swing, Ruthven stressed the importance of embracing the high-stakes nature of the competition.
While the team has not dwelled on past defeats such as the semi-final loss two years ago, there is a collective awareness of what is at stake.
“We haven’t reflected too much on previous seasons, but the players understand the nature of knockout rugby,” Ruthven said.
“You don’t get second chances in finals, so we need to be switched on from the first whistle.
“The Force are a quality side, and they’ll come at us hard, so we need to match that intensity.”
Reflecting on the team’s development since their last encounter with the Western Force, Ruthven is confident the Waratahs have grown in key areas.
“Our performances have improved in every match since that Round 2 game,” Ruthven said.
“We’ve worked on our set-piece, our defensive structure, and our ability to adapt under pressure. That experience will be crucial for us this weekend.”
Sunday’s clash will also mark a significant milestone for NSW Waratahs Women's flanker Emily Chancellor, who will earn her 25th cap for the team.
Having battled through an ACL injury last year, Chancellor has demonstrated exceptional resilience and professionalism in her return to top form.
“It’s a great achievement for ‘Chance’,” Ruthven said.
“She’s worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to get back to where she is.
“She’s a true professional, and her leadership both on and off the field has been invaluable to us. We want to put in a performance that’s worthy of her milestone.”
Final Preparations Underway
The NSW Waratahs Women will finalise their preparations in the coming days as they gear up for a battle against a strong Western Force side.
The last time the two teams met was in Round 2, the match was a tightly contested affair, with the NSW Waratahs Women emerging victorious.
However, Ruthven is not taking anything for granted, knowing that the Force will present a formidable challenge.
“It’s finals rugby, and we expect nothing less than a tough contest,” he said.
“They’ll come in with a game plan, and they’ll throw everything at us.
“We need to be ready to adapt and execute under pressure.”
Ruthven also acknowledged the importance of home support as the NSW Waratahs Women prepare for one of their biggest games of the season.
“There’s something special about playing at home in front of our fans,” Ruthven said.
“Their energy lifts us, and we want to give them something to cheer about.
"We know they’ll be behind us, and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got.”
- 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
16. Millie Parker
17. Emily Robinson
18. Seneti Kilisimasi
19. Jayjay Taylor
20. Ruby Anderson
21. Martha Harvey
22. Caitlyn Halse
23. Jade Sheridan
When: 3.05 pm (AEDT) Sunday, 6 April 2025
Where: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Tickets for the Super Rugby Women's semi-final went on sale via Ticketek today at 2:00 pm [AEDT]. To buy tickets, click HERE
The game will be televised Live on Stan Sport – The Home of Rugby
