Wallaroos and Waratahs hooker Adiana Talakai has thrown her full support behind prop Faliki Pohiva as a bolter for the 2025 Rugby World Cup squad.
Pohiva has been the revelation of Super Rugby Women's in 2025, set to play a big role in Sunday's semi-final against the Western Force.
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The Manly product scored a double against the ACT Brumbies in the 36-23 win that secured the Waratahs the minor premiership.
Pohiva has played in the past for the Australian Barbarians, but Talakai is confident she can make a difference at the Test level if called upon.
"I think she's probably (been) one of the most outstanding props this season," Talakai told Rugby.com.au.
"I could see her creating a few barnstorming runs and tackles so I think she'll be good in the gold jersey if she gets a call-up."
The 23-year-old is back in the Waratahs system after giving birth and has perfectly filled the void left by the departing Eva Karpani thanks to her physical playstyle and bruising hits.
"I think this is a bit of my own superstition that women who go away and have children come back, they almost have something more to play for...that maternal instinct to want to be better, in that kind of aspect," Talakai proposed.
"She's been great and I think the professionalism side has been big improvement for her, coming from club rugby straight into the program.
"She just wanted to play with her mates as well, get back into loving the sport again."
Talakai and the Waratahs were looking to weaponise their set-piece as they prepared for a rematch with the Force, with Talakai's last-minute try sealing the win in their previous match-up.
"I think as the season has progressed, I think our set pieces really come a little bit into fruition, like saving us in that force game and I think we've got a few more tries last week as well," she added.
