The Super Rugby W champions NSW Waratahs have confirmed their side for Thursday’s Women's Super Rugby Champions Final against the Blues in Auckland.
Coach Mike Ruthven has been dealt a major blow with winger Maya Stewart’s absence confirmed after her concussion in Saturday’s win over the Queensland Reds.
“It’s disappointing for Maya. She’s had a fantastic year, and it’s a really disappointing she won’t get the chance to travel with the team,” he said.
“But we’re confident in the depth of our squad. It’s an opportunity for someone else to come in, compete hard and go well.”
Jade Sheridan comes onto the wing in her place, with Amelia Whitaker added to the bench.
It is the only change from the team that were successful in defending their Super Rugby W title.
Hooker Britt Merlo retains the starting hooker role after Adiana Talakai’s late withdrawal due to a neck problem.
Ruthven backed his wider squad to step up to the challenge of facing a Blues side filled with Black Ferns, including Ruahei Demant, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Katelyn Vahaakolo and Maiakawanakaulani Roos.
“We’ve kept a tab on what's been happening over in Aupiki, and we had that first-hand experience with a pre-season trial against the Blues,” Ruthven said.
“They’re a physical team, particularly competitive around the contact and collision areas.
“We’ll be up for a big challenge, but the girls are excited. It’s an important fixture, in terms of the growth and potential expansion of the competition.”
The two sides faced off during the preseason in a trial, with the match ending in a 36-all draw.
Ruthven and the Waratahs weren’t feeling the pressure to perform, with the battle of champions the first step towards a confirmed competition.
“We don’t go over there feeling any burden,” he added.
“It’s just another challenge.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Bridie O’Gorman, Britt Merlo, Faliki Pohiva, Kaitlan Leaney, Annabelle Codey, Nicole Nathan, Emily Chancellor (c), Ruby Anderson, Tatum Bird, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs, Jade Sheridan, Caitlyn Halse
Replacements: Millie Parker, Emily Robinson, Seneti Kilisimasi, Jayjay Taylor, Anahera Hamahona, Martha Harvey, Amelia Whitaker, Waiaria Ellis
BLUES (1-15): Chryss Viliko, Atlanta Lolohea, Aldora Itunu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c), Maama Vaipulu, Holly Greenway, Taufa Bason, Elizabith Moimoi, Tara Turner, Ruahei Demant, Jaymie Kolose, Sylvia Brunt, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Replacements: Grace Gago, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Harano Te Iringa, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Dajian Brown, Kerri Johnson, Krysten Cottrell, Patricia Maliepo
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr
Assistant Referees: Erin Doherty, Andy Morton
TMO: Estelle Whaiapu
