NSW Waratahs have defended their Super W crown and clinched back-to-back titles with a hard-fought 43-21 victory over Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval. The victory gives the Tahs their sixth women’s title in eight grand final appearances, and consigns their old rivals to a fifth grand final defeat and the sobering reality that they have never beaten their opponents in 13 attempts.
Having already claimed the title in five of the seven Super Rugby Women’s seasons, the Waratahs dominated the early exchanges and almost scored in the sixth minute when Arabella McKenzie kicked over the top into space, catching Reds fullback Charlotte Caslick by surprise. Desiree Miller fumbled that pickup on the line but made amends minutes later when she burst down the left, finding fullback Caitlyn Halse who flicked it inside to Georgina Friedrichs to charge 25m to the line and make it 7-0.
