Redemption or repeat?: Waratahs, Drua prepare for blockbuster Super Rugby W Final

Sat, Apr 27, 2024, 5:24 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Highlights from the Round 2 clash of Super Rugby Women's 2024 between the Fijiana Drua and NSW Waratahs Women

The NSW Waratahs and Fijian Drua will add the latest chapter to their growing rivalry as both teams take their final steps on Ballymore before Sunday's Final.

The teams soaked in the home of Queensland and Women's Rugby ahead of their third straight match-up during the finals.

Catch every game of Super Rugby W LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.

On both occasions, the Fijians have claimed victory, defeating the Waratahs in the 2022 Final before backing up their efforts the following year on their path to the 2023 title.

Waratahs captain Piper Duck is one of a core group from the NSW side who've played in both contests, fueling their run to the minor premiership.

"We've had this goal all season to be ourselves in the best spot necessary to make the Final so there's a lot of excitement but understanding we've got one more job to do and it's going to be a tight one," Duck said.

"(The pain from last year) is definitely felt and something we don't want to feel again. We're constantly focusing on the present and what we can control.

"We're focused on having a really good performance in the 80 minutes against Fiji and we know it's going to be hard so we're focused on putting ourselves in the best position for that."

The Waratahs broke through for their maiden win over the Drua in round two for a 41-point thumping.

However, the defending champions haven't missed a step since in their quest to complete a three-peat.

"We weren't as fit back then and the weather was so hot," Drua captain Karalaini Naisewa recalled of their defeat to the Waratahs.

"We never want to blame the weather but it's just how we trained so we're coming into tomorrow confident we can do our best."

The Drua powered home in their semi-final win over the Western Force in front of a packed crowd and with Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expected to attend, the Fijians were riding the wave of support.

"It's a big boost for us because we've never had that kind of support for us back at home," Naisewa added.

"We hope they'll come in numbers tomorrow and we're so excited to see them here to support the ladies.

"We'd like to bring that title (home) and dedicate this to them."

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