Five things we learnt from NSW Waratahs - Western Force Super Rugby W

Sat, Mar 8, 2025, 8:01 AM
AM
by Antonia Miller

The NSW Waratahs left it late but produced a 79th minute try to defeat the Western Force 26-21.

It gets the defending champions back on track for their title defence as the Force are left to wonder what could have been.

Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

So what did we learn?

1. Fight until the end 

It appeared to be a home game loss until the last two minutes when the Warathas made a controversial decision not to take a penalty kick and instead kicked the ball to the line. 

This was the game-winning decision as they made a final push to the try-line, and Adiana Talakai scored in the 79th minute, pushing over into full-time for a win.

This will be an uplifting moment for the Waratahs, helping them regain their confidence after their loss against Fijian Dura last week. 

2. Heartbreaking effort 

The Force were leading for most of the game, making a valiant effort, and appeared to have secured a win. 

The Force took the lead from the 14th minute, fighting as hard as they could, until the last 40 seconds.

It's a tough loss for the Force after their draw to the Brumbies last week.

3. Pink Rugby Club 

The Waratahs women's team ditched the sky blue and took the field sporting bright pink jerseys. 

The Waratahs supported the Breast Cancer Foundation during Charity Week, coinciding with International Women's Day. 

In honour of the strong women in their lives, the players' tunnel was lined by women, old players and family alike, showing their support for the Waratahs women.

4. Masterful success for the Force 

Ash Marsters, the Wallaroos Player of the Year 2024 nominee, demonstrated her success on the field and helped the Force in a number of facets, both on offence and defence. 

Masters started the game strong, scoring the first try for the Force early on in the game, displaying her crucial role on the team.

Following, Masters solidified this role on defence, pilfering the ball from the Waratahs 5m from their tryline, stopping the home team from scoring. 

She felt the effects late with cramping such was her effort.

5. Desiree Miller: Powerhouse for Waratahs

Desiree Miller has illustrated her critical role for the Waratahs after scoring the only tries for the first half.  

Miller was passed the ball for her first touch, breaking three tackles and got to the try line making the first try for her home team.

At the end of the first half, Miller made another run, broke multiple tackle attempts and scored again for the Waratahs. 

It was a great return for the Wallaroo after her concussion.

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