A double to Test flyer Maya Stewart spoiled Queensland's Sunday afternoon with the Waratahs running out 36-14 victors at Ballymore Stadium.
While all the pre-game hype centred on the Reds' sevens quartet of Charlotte Caslick, Teagan Levi, Bella Nasser and Kahli Henwood, Stewart's record-breaking brace (taking her to 40 tries) and a double to Adiana Talakai laid the platform for a bonus-point win that has launched New South Wales back atop the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's ladder.
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Caslick's introduction in the 53rd minute brought plenty of cheers but it was boom teenager Shalom Sauaso setting the tone early for Queensland with a sharp pilfer and two line breaks paving way for Henwood's opening try after just seven minutes.
A 45m penalty goal attempt from Carys Dallinger went within inches of extending the hosts’ lead but New South Wales were unfazed, storming back upfield and forcing a Carola Kreis penalty to earn prime real estate 5m from the Reds’ line.
The Waratahs pack didn’t miss either, delivering a slick set move that put hooker Talakai one-on-one with Caitlin Urwin and over the chalk for the visitors’ first try.
Buoyed by their forwards, NSW’s dynamic wing duo kicked into gear with Miller and Stewart combining for a scything try against the run of play.
A clutch turnover from Miller just outside her own 22 was quickly recycled into attack with the Tahs sweeping right to Stewart, who duly beat three Reds enroute to yet another SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s try.
Trailing 14-7, the Reds needed a lift and found one at scrum time with the Queensland pack forcing a tighthead but the joy was short-lived as poor discipline handed the Tahs another chance to plug the corner once more.
This time, it was a different Wallaroos combo in the limelight as McKenzie turned Sauaso inside out on the second phase before putting Friedrichs away untouched for a 19-7 lead.
It was Queensland, however, who had the last laugh before oranges as another Sauaso break led to Levi laying on a second try assist for Urwin, though the Tahs’ 19-14 lead could’ve evaporated were it not for a sharp Stewart spot tackle on the bell.
Eager to keep their perfect record against the Reds intact, NSW needed to strike first after half time and did so via a powerful 49th minute maul try to Talakai that stretched the margin to 12.
Caslick’s 53rd minute introduction brought a raucous cheer from the Ballymore faithful and momentum looked to swing Queensland’s way after Leilani Nathan was yellow carded for a high shot on Bella Nasser.
Waratahs debutant Seneti Kilisimasi, however, had other ideas with the replacement tighthead prop producing two massive runs before steaming over for a maiden try on the hour mark.
Leading 29-14, the defending premiers turned with screws in the dying minutes as Stewart sliced over out wide for her 40th Super Rugby Women’s try before holding on for a bonus-point win.
The result also keeps New South Wales' perfect competition record against Australian rivals intact.
NSW WARATAHS 36 (Stewart 2, Talakai 2, Friedrichs, Kilisimasi tries; McKenzie 3 cons) def QLD REDS 14 (Henwood, Urwin tries; Cramer 2 cons)
