First up, congratulations on a terrific career to Katrina Barker, Waratah #122. Having played over 30 matches, it appears she has finished up as a Waratah.
Not the biggest or the fastest, but she’s smart and made a great centre combination with Georgina Friedrichs. Like Emily Robinson, she’s one of the long-term beating hearts of the Waratahs.
Back to the Super Rugby W grand final.
In the end, the scoreline of 43-21 indicated the game was not as competitive as it actually was. It was far from an easy game.
The Waratahs got ahead early, and while the Reds at times got close, it seemed NSW just had a bit more, especially in attack.
For the Tahs or any team, a grand final win means it was a good season. But the season did not start well; with a last-minute move by Layne Morgan joining Eva Karpani in switching to the Reds.
Then, in a trial, Atasi Lafai did her ACL, ruling her out for the season. Caitlyn Halse did her quad and hamstring, so she did not get to start a game until the grand final, and the Tahs went down to the Fijian Drua in round one.
Then, leading up to the grand final, there was a bit of yin and yang. They lost Leilani Nathan, captain Piper Duck then Adiana Talakai for the final but got Halse back starting at full back.
Not smooth sailing, but it worked out all good for the Waratahs.
As noted earlier in the season, it cannot be overstated the value Faliki Pohiva brought to the Waratahs season.
Similarly, it cannot be overstated the value of Halse starting at 15. That is not to be critical of Waiaria Ellis, who had a very good season. Halse just brings a bit more. She has a big boot, size to help clean outs, and her passes open up more opportunities for the outside backs.
With Barker retiring, maybe we saw the future late in the game. When she came off, Ellis went to 10 and Arabella McKenzie to 12.
All of a sudden, the Waratahs had three playmakers who could interchange. On the wings, Maya Stewart and player of the final Desiree Miller are both consistently good week in and week out.
Georgina Friedrichs of the Waratahs celebrates with team mates after scoring a try. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
It would be almost criminal not to mention Georgina Friedrichs, there is nothing she cannot do. She has great defence, as a 13 should, is great over the ball, and both sets up and scores tries.
It is impossible to cover every Tahs player. Although I do want to plug lock Annabelle Codey. She has had a good season. While dropping down the Wallaroos pecking order in recent times, maybe she is back in the mix.
During the season, each player who came in for the Tahs did their job. For example, hooker Britt Merlo had started just one game and came off the bench just once was thrust into starting in the grand final. Nicole Nathan, a bench centre, starts the GF at six.
Not to mention teenager Rugby Anderson, who came off the bench a couple of times. The GF was her first start at No.8 in place of the injured captain. It is worth noting that 25 of the current squad were in the 2024 squad.
Even after losing their captain for the grand final, Emily Chancellor seamlessly stepped in. She had a terrific game leading the team. No doubt the grand final win will erase the round one loss to the Fijian Drua.
With such a good season, credit goes to the coaching staff as well as Head Coach Mike Ruthven and assistant coaches Iliseva Batibasaga, Te Tera Faulkner and Ed Brenac.
As for the Reds, it was odd.
They just were not on for the grand final. Had they played their GF against the Fijian Drua, or were there just nerves?
Maybe it was the loss of co-captain Jemma Bemrose and the experienced Sarah Riordan. There were just too many errors. They played a better game against the Waratahs a couple of weeks ago.
While it was not the performance or result they wanted, it was a considerable improvement from last season.
Their scrum was very good, but the backline did not have the creativity. Maybe that was due to a lack of combination.
Individually, the Reds’ backline is very good. But compare the backlines and how many games they have played together.
Shalom Sausao has had a wonderful season getting the Reds on the front foot. She uncharacteristically lost possession or dropped the ball a few times, halting their momentum – a bit like the Chiefs’ Damian McKenzie on Friday night.
Lori Cramer at 10 was not as effective as in previous games. The Reds were unable to convert when they got into the Waratahs’ 22.
Understandably, all eyes are on Charlotte Caslick each time she runs out. She had a solid game but is still learning, as are her teammates learning to play with her. It takes time to build combinations within a backline.
No doubt in time, she will better know when to slip into first receiver more often. Her lack of kicking also meant all the Reds’ kicking rested with Cramer.
Again, compare that to the Waratahs, where Arabella McKenzie, Halse, and Barker can kick – even Ellis when she came on.
The Super Rugby Women’s season is done. It was the best and most competitive season yet.
For the Waratahs a night of celebration, but then back to work to take on the Auckland Blues across the ditch on Thursday.
