The NSW Waratahs Womens side has cast the memories of their Super Rugby Women's championship win last year, believing that what matters as they head into this year's competition is the next game at hand - and come Friday, that will be their Round 1 clash against the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park.
The game, starting at 5.05 pm, features in a blockbuster double header with the NSW Waratahs men's team who will also play the Fijian Drua in their Super Rugby Pacific fixture at 7.35 pm.
NSW Waratahs Women's Head Coach Mike Ruthven said preparation for the season opener for his side did not include their triumph last year, or any year.
The NSW Waratahs Women have won the title five times, and last year claimed the crown by beating the Fijian Drua 50-14 in the title decider.
"We haven't spoken or reflected at all around you know previous results or past championships," Ruthven said.
"We've got a new group with new coaching staff, and our focus has been on making sure our footy connects well to our game model and that our identity reflects the way we want to play footy.
"That's what our focus has been on. The girls are in a good spot."
Asked what he is expecting from the Fijian Drua on Friday, Ruthven said: "It's hard to know ... they're a tough one to get a good gauge on. They'll be physical.
"They'll thrive on your discipline and transition footy.
"We have to have to make sure that we aim up around the contact and collision space which we have worked hard on this preseason.
"We have to control our discipline and make sure that we hang on to the footy and make them defend for as long as we possibly can."
- Emily Robinson
2. Millie Parker
3. Bridie O'Gorman
4. Kaitlan Leaney
5. Annabelle Codey
6. Ruby Anderson
7. Emily Chancellor (c)
8. Leilani Nathan
9. Tiarne Cavanagh
10. Katrina Barker
11. Amelia Whitaker
12. Nicole Nathan
13. Georgina Friedrichs (vc)
14. Maya Stewart
15. Waiaria Ellis
16. Adiana Talakai
17. Siusiuosalafai Volkmna
18. Faliki Pohiva
19. Jayjay Taylor
20. Anahera Hamahona
21. Tatum Bird
22. Jade Sheridan
23. Jacinta Windsor
When: at 5.05 pm Friday, 28 February 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
