The NSW Waratahs Women have clinched a home semi-final with a confident 36-23 victory over the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday evening.
In a match that saw the defending champions wrestle control in the first half and build momentum after the break, the NSW Waratahs Women ran in six tries to three, showcasing their trademark attacking flair and hard-edged defence.
It was a milestone evening for fly-half Arabella McKenzie, who notched her 25th cap for the sky blue, while Martha Harvey made her NSW Waratahs Womens debut off the bench.
After an early penalty from ACT Brumbies fly-half Faitala Moleka gave the hosts a 3-0 lead, the NSW Waratahs Women settled into rhythm. Lock Annabelle Codey crashed over in the 18th minute to spark the visitors’ attacking surge.
The ACT Brumbies responded through lock Lily Bone, but it was the NSW Waratahs Women who dominated the remainder of the half, with prop Faliki Pohiva and No. 8 Piper Duck crossing to give the visitors a 19-13 lead at the break.
The ACT Brumbies closed the gap with a penalty goal shortly after the restart, but the NSW Waratahs Women held their nerve.
Pohiva bagged her second try in the 50th minute following a slick phase of forward play.
Captain Duck led from the front, adding her second try with just six minutes remaining, before winger Maya Stewart iced the match with a five-pointer after the siren to secure the bonus point win.
The result locks in a home semi-final next Sunday, 6 April, with the Waratahs to host at Leichhardt Oval. Their opponent will be confirmed following the Queensland Reds v Western Force clash on Sunday.
Gates will open to the public at 2:30 pm, with kick-off at 3:00 pm. Tickets are available via Ticketek, priced at just $10 for adults. Children get in free.
The NSW Waratahs Women will now turn their attention to finals footy, carrying momentum and belief into the knockout stages as they chase back-to-back Super Rugby Women’s titles.
At GIO Stadium, Canberra
Tries: Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele, Lilu Bone, Biola Dawa
Conversions: Merania Paraone
Penalties: Manua Moleka, Ella Ryan
Tries: Annabelle Codey, Faliki Pohiva (2), Piper Duck (2), Maya Stewart
Conversions: Arabella McKenzie (3)
