NSW Waratahs centre Georgina Friedrichs is confident her side can bounce back from a frustrating loss in their Super Rugby Women’s opener for their Round 2 clash against the Western Force at Allianz Stadium this Saturday.
After a challenging first round saw the NSW Waratahs go down to the Fijian Drua 23-17, Friedrichs acknowledged the physicality of the Western Force.
The game, starting at 5.05 pm, features in a double-header at Allianz Stadium in Moore Park, Sydney, with the NSW Waratahs men to play the Western Force in their Super Rugby Pacific Round 4 game at the same venue from 7.35 pm.
The NSW Waratahs Women go into Round 2 after struggling in Round 1 against the Fijian Drua.
“We knew they were going to be physical, and they obviously showed that with some of the hits they put on,” Friedrichs told media on Friday.
“But it comes with the game, so just preparing as well as we can during the week for that sort of stuff is really important.”
The NSW Waratahs Women will be buoyed on Saturday by the return of several key players, including the No. 10 jersey, Bella McKenzie.
Friedrichs believes McKenzie will be crucial in steering the team’s attack.
“Some classy players are coming back,” Friedrichs said.
“Bella is really good at steering the ship around, and she brings that kicking game as well, which I think is really going to help us this week.
Against the Western Force, the NSW Waratahs Women will also need to maintain their discipline and focus.
Friedrichs referenced last week's early setback as a reminder of the need to be switched on from the opening whistle.
“Getting things like that [early mistakes] because that’s so early in the game, it’s sort of a reminder that we’ve got to be on our game,” she said.
“I’m really grateful for the physicality that’s going to come with teams like Fiji and Western Force. They’re really locked up there for that.”
Despite acknowledging the Western Force, Friedrichs stressed that the NSW Waratahs’ focus this week has been on their own game plan and execution.
“We’re trying to focus on us this week. We do our review on them, but the focus was really on us and how we can play how we want to play,” she said.
When: at 5.05 pm Saturday, 8 March 2025
Where: Allianz Stadium, Moore Park
To purchase your tickets, click HERE
The game will be televised Live, ad-free and on-demand on Stan Sport – The Home of Rugby
