With the finals fast approaching, several teams have started to make their move with dominant showings in round three of Super W.
The Fijiana Drua and NSW Waratahs set up a blockbuster round four matchup after easily accounting for the Force and Rebels respectively.
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Meanwhile, the Brumbies once again let a lead slip as the Queensland Reds hung on for victory in Canberra.
So what did we learn from round three?
1.Patu power
Brumbies coach Dan Hawke must feel like it’s groundhog day after yet another win slipped out of their grasp.
For the third week in a row, the hosts took the lead into the break after captain Rebecca Smyth barged over.
However, their inability to close out games once again cost them dearly as Liz Patu proved unstoppable, crossing for a double to seal the 15-10 win.
It leaves the Brumbies wondering what could have been, needing results to go their way to have any hope of finals football.
Meanwhile, the Reds will only need a win from their final two games to cement their spot in the finals.
2.Dominance
The Fijiana Drua continues to go from strength to strength, producing a ruthless display against the Western Force.
Whilst the Force would go on to win the second half, it ultimately mattered for little considering the Drua’s 45-point first half.
It continues their flawless start to the season, firmly established as one of the teams to beat as they crushed to the 45-17 win.
3. Anything you can do
The other team to beat? That would be the Waratahs, who gave a timely reminder of their talent against the Rebels.
The hosts were ruthless from the get-go, setting the tone in the first five minutes as they dominated a Melbourne side coming off an impressive defensive performance against the Brumbies.
Four late tries in the final 15 minutes helped send a message to the rest of the competition, the defending champions are back to their best after two less than optimal showings to start the season.
Also, what is it with Waratahs props and scoring long rage efforts? Eva Karpani decided anything Bridie O’Gorman could do, she could do better, bursting away for a solo try that started well inside her own half. All eyes on Emily Robinson to see what she comes up with next, no pressure…
4.Magic Mahalia
What else can you say about Mahalia Murphy?
The fullback produced one of the best performances you will see on a Rugby field, running in an incredible five tries.
Whether it was blistering steps or brutal runs to break through multiple defenders, Murphy was unstoppable, firmly establishing herself as the form player of the competition.
5. Building a blockbuster
April 1.
Usually a day for tricks and jokes but there will be none of this when the Drua take on the NSW Waratahs in what shapes as the match of the tournament.
Both teams have by far been the two premier sides in this year’s competition and it's tough to argue against either side making the Final.
Fijiana is the biggest threat yet to end the Waratahs’ unbeaten streak, with the key to this game coming down to whether the defending champions can find a way to shut down their potent attack.
