The NSW Waratahs Women are through to the 2025 SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final after producing a polished performance in front of an energetic Leichhardt Oval crowd, downing the Western Force Women 54-17 in Sunday’s semi-final.
With picture-perfect weather and a lively Sunday afternoon atmosphere at the suburban inner-west ground, fans turned out in strong voice. They weren’t disappointed, as the Waratahs delivered a thrilling brand of attacking rugby from the opening whistle.
NSW opened their account inside five minutes through co-captain Piper Duck, who crashed over from close range to cap off a dominant start. Winger Maya Stewart then lit up the scoreboard with a quickfire double, finishing off two well-worked backline moves in the 9th and 14th minutes to push the Waratahs out to a 19-0 lead.
The Force clawed one back through Trilleen Pomare in the 19th minute and added a second just before the break via Cecilia Smith, narrowing the halftime margin to 19-12. But the Waratahs wasted little time in reasserting themselves after the break.
Georgina Friedrichs was at her electric best, slicing through for a second-half hat-trick, while Caitlyn Halse in her return from injury crossed in the 67th after sustained pressure. A penalty try awarded in the 65th minute pushed the hosts further in front, as the Force struggled to contain the Waratahs’ wave of momentum.
Arabella McKenzie’s boot was clinical, converting six and steering the team around with composure.
Despite a late consolation try from Rosie Ebbage in the 80th minute, the Force were always chasing the game, with the Waratahs defensive line holding strong in key moments.
The win, however, didn’t come without a cost, with Leilani Nathan (knee), Piper Duck (shoulder), Adiana Talakai (neck), and Maya Stewart (cramp) all leaving the field with injuries.
Now just one game away from silverware, the Waratahs Women meet the Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval next Saturday 12 April with the match kicking off at 2:30pm [AEST].
Tickets for the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women Grand Final will be on sale on Monday 7 April at 9:30am at Ticketek.
NSW Waratahs Tries: Piper Duck (4’), Maya Stewart (9’, 14’), Georgina Friedrichs (48’, 60’, 71’), Penalty Try (65’), Caitlyn Halse (67’)
Conversions: Arabella McKenzie (5’, 15’, 49’, 61’, 68’, 72’)
Western Force Tries: Trilleen Pomare (19’), Cecilia Smith (44’), Rosie Ebbage (80’)
Conversions: Nicole Ledington (20’)
