Waratahs name strong team for historic Champions Final against Blues

NSW Waratahs coach Mike Ruthven has named a familiar lineup ahead of Thursday’s historic Women’s Super Rugby Championship Final at North Harbour Stadium, with Wallaroo Maya Stewart dropping out of the squad as the only change to the side.

Stewart left the field during last weekend’s Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final against rivals the Queensland Reds, which the Tahs won 43-21. Jade Sheridan comes into the starting side on the right wing, while Amelia Whitaker comes into the 23-player squad.

Sheridan joins Caitlyn Halse and Desir Miller as the outside backs in the run-on side. Miller was especially impressive in the Grand Final triumph over the Reds, with the Wallaroo receiving Player of the Final honours after scoring a decisive runaway try in the 62^nd minute.

Georgina Friedrichs and Katrina Barker are the starting midfield duo once again, while Tatum Bird will link up with Arabella McKenzie in the halves. The forward pack remains unchanged, with Adiana Talakai still unavailable with a shoulder injury.

Britt Merlo will start at hooker once again, with Bridie O’Gorman and Faliki Pohiva in the front row. Kaitlan Leaney and Annabelle Codey are the two locks, while Nicole Nathan, captain Emily Chancellor and Ruby Anderson are the loose forwards.

“It’s a very similar team to the one that played in the Grand Final,” Ruthven said.

“Britt Merlo started at hooker for us in the final, and Jade came on and did an outstanding job when Maya went off with concussion.

“We’re really confident in the 23 that we’re taking over to New Zealand.”

In the first-ever Champions Final between women’s Super Rugby winners, the Tahs will take on a star-studded Blues outfit that includes Black Ferns Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Ruahei Demant, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Katelyn Vahaakolo.

Demant starred at inside centre in the Super Rugby Aupiki decider but shifts to first five-eighth for the clash with the Waratahs. Black Fern Sylvia Brunt comes into the starting side as the midfield partner for Woodman-Wickliffe, who was named Player of the Final on Saturday.

“That’s why it was important we got back into training straight away,” Ruthven explained.

“It was a chance to reflect on the weekend, but also shift focus quickly to the new challenge ahead.

“These girls are highly ambitious and really self-motivated. They’ll be excited about the opportunity to head over there, compete hard and take on the Blues.”

The Champions Final at North Harbour Stadium will kick off at 5:05 pm AEST on Thursday.

NSW Waratahs to take on Blues in Champions Final

1. Bridie O’Gorman
2. Britt Merlo
3. Faliki Pohiva
4. Kaitlan Leaney
5. Annabelle Codey
6. Nicole Nathan
7. Emily Chancellor (c)
8. Ruby Anderson
9. Tatum Bird
10. Arabella McKenzie
11. Desiree Miller
12. Katrina Barker
13. Georgina Friedrichs (vc)
14. Jade Sheridan
15. Caitlyn Halse
Replacments
16. Millie Parker
17. Emily Robinson
18. Seneti Kilisimasi
19. Jayjay Taylor
20. Anahera Hamahona
21. Martha Harvey
22. Amelia Whitaker
23. Waiaria Ellis