The NSW Waratahs Women have made team changes for Saturday’s Round 2 Super Rugby Women’s clash against the Western Force at Allianz Stadium.
With the competition spanning only five rounds (plus finals), every match is critical, especially for the NSW Waratahs Women following their Round 1 loss.
NSW Waratahs Women’s Head Coach Mike Ruthven has made a number of key changes, including the return of three experienced players from injury.
Captain and number eight Piper Duck (AC), winger Desiree Miller (concussion) and flyhalf Bella McKenzie (concussion) are all named in the starting XV.
Their return brings a significant boost to the squad’s confidence and performance expectations.
“Having three players of their experience and calibre back in the group will certainly give us a huge amount of confidence,” Ruthven stated.
“But it’s important that everyone plays their part this week. It’s going to take all 23 players to step up.”
The NSW Waratahs Women will be looking to make a statement following their Round 1 loss to the Fijian Drua last Friday.
With such a short season, bouncing back immediately is crucial.
Ruthven emphasised the importance of focusing on performance over results.
“It starts with performance before result," Ruthven said.
"It’s brutally important that we perform well every week to build continuity, momentum, and confidence.
“If we can do that, the result will take care of itself.”
The return of Duck, Miller, and McKenzie has necessitated changes to the bench, with some players shifting from last week’s starting side.
Ruthven acknowledged that this move allows the Waratahs to strategically utilise their squad’s strengths over the full eighty minutes.
“The three players returning from injury warrant their selection back in the starting team,” Ruthven said.
“But with those pushing back to the bench, we gain their strengths at the back end of the game.”
Saturday’s match at Allianz Stadium will be part of a double-header event, with the NSW Waratahs men’s team set to take on the Western Force at the same venue afterwards.
This presents a fantastic opportunity for fans to witness an action-packed day of rugby and rally behind both NSW Waratahs teams.
1 Loosehead Prop: Siusiuosalafai Volkman
2. Hooker: Britt Merlo
3. Tighthead Prop: Bridie O'Gorman
4. Left Lock: Kaitlan Leaney
5. Right Lock: Annabelle Codey
6. Left Flanker: Leilani Nathan
7. Right Flanker: Emily Chancellor (vc)
8. Number Eight: Piper Duck (c)
9. Scrumhalf: Tatum Bird
10. Flyhalf: Arabella McKenzie
11. Left Wing: Desiree Miller
12. Inside Centre: Katrina Barker
13. Outside Centre: Georgina Friedrichs
14. Right Wing: Maya Stewart
15. Fullback: Waiaria Ellis
16. Reserve: Adiana Talakai
17. Reserve: Emily Robinson
18. Reserve: Faliki Pohiva
19. Reserve: Tahlia Morgan
20. Reserve: Ruby Anderson
21. Reserve: Tiarne Cavanagh
22. Reserve: Nicole Nathan
23. Reserve: Amelia Whitaker
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
