Waratahs run away from Reds to seal consecutive Tremendous Rugby W titles as Miller, Friedrichs star
For a few years it appeared just like the NSW Waratahs had fallen again to the pack. That proved to be wildly off the mark.
Regardless of shedding Eva Karpani and Layne Morgan to Queensland earlier than the season, and several other others, together with Piper Duck, within the days earlier than the grand closing, the NSW Waratahs withstood a second-half surge from their interstate rivals to seal a dominant 43-21 win at North Sydney Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The 22-point win was the Waratahs’ second straight below coach Mike Ruthven and their fifth because the competitors began in 2018.
Winger Desiree Miller and her backline teammate Georgina Friedrichs starred for the Waratahs, with the backline duo carving up the Reds aspect.
The Waratahs rejoice by lifting the Tremendous Rugby Ladies’s trophy by beating Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval on April 12, 2025. (Picture by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Photos)
However there have been a number of robust performances, with Caitlyn Halse making a shocking comeback and outplaying her reverse Charlotte Caslick.
The Waratahs’ efficiency out large was helped by the inspiration laid up entrance, with big tight-head prop Faliki Pohiva having fun with a ding-dong battle with Karpani with each front-rowers crossing within the fascinating battle.
Appearing captain Emily Chancellor was busy throughout the park, lock Kaitlan Leany dominated the lineout whereas Nicole Nathan additionally made an impression.
Even veteran prop Emily Robinson scored, with the substitute front-rower storming onto a stunning ball from Halse to blow open the sport earlier than Friedrichs put the cherry on high by scoring.
Chancellor, who missed final yr’s title attributable to damage, was naturally thrilled after her lengthy comeback was rewarded.
“It’s a pinch your self second,” she mentioned.
“I noticed the women work so onerous final yr and get the reward towards Fiji, and to return out and play and construct by the season we’ve got this yr I’m so proud to have been part of it.
“We needed to actually work by that bodily battle up entrance. We mentioned earlier than the sport it was going to be who may win the physicality to launch the sides, and the bodily battle up entrance was a troublesome one.
“I’m actually pleased with how we tailored after a few late modifications due to damage, and to have the ability to present our depth and placed on a efficiency like that, I’m so pleased with the entire 30.”
The defeat was one other painful blow for the Reds, who misplaced their fifth grand closing – and fourth towards the Waratahs.
“The hassle, I’m sorry,” the Reds skipper mentioned after needing to gather her feeling.
“We’re nonetheless very proud to be right here, to make it by to the grand closing, after the yr we had final yr. However the Tahs simply obtained over us and confirmed why they’re probably the most dominant crew in (the competitors).”
Georgina Friedrichs scored twice within the Waratahs’ huge win over Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval. (Picture by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Photos)
The Reds had their moments.
Certainly, the guests minimize the margin to 29-21 when barnstorming loose-head prop Cristo Taufua barged over to attain.
However the Reds continued to be their very own worst enemy, with Andrew Fraser’s aspect responsible of turning over far an excessive amount of ball on an image excellent afternoon in Sydney.
Teenage sensation Shalom Sauaso epitomised that, with the within centre often successful the contact battle however too typically shedding the ball too.
She wasn’t alone both although, with little errors killing off their hopes of returning to Queensland with silverware.
In distinction the Waratahs’ backline feast on the alternatives, with Arabella McKenzie controlling the sport properly and unlocking her deadly backs.
Miller, particularly, carved the Reds up by making 4 linebreaks within the match.
“It feels completely unreal,” a delighted Miller mentioned. “This was my second one, and it’s nearly higher than he first.”
