The NSW Waratahs have racked up eight tries to win a record fifth Women’s Super Rugby crown with a 50-14 final thrashing of two-time defending champions the Fijian Drua.
Fittingly, prolific flankers Desiree Miller, with a try hat-trick, and Maya Stewart, with a double, were front and center as the Waratahs capped their dominant unbeaten season at Ballymore in Brisbane on Sunday.
The comprehensive eight-to-two victory atoned for a devastating semi-final defeat to the Drua last year, a loss that has buoyed the Waratahs all season.
It is the Waratahs’ first premiership since 2021.
The result was only in doubt for a few minutes at the start of the second half, after the Waratahs had started the match strongly.
An early penalty try and five points for Miller and Stewart gave the favorites a 17-0 lead in almost as many minutes.
Drua briefly threatened an improbable comeback with two tries either side of half-time.
A penalty try and a three-pointer from winger Merewairita Neivosa, while Miller was in the container for a deliberate infringement, reduced the deficit to five points.
But a lack of discipline ruined the Drua, who were quickly reduced to 13 players, with fifth-eighth Jeniffer Ravutia and winger Adita Milinia both on yellow cards.
The Waratahs wasted little time building on the man advantage, with Stewart and Miller crossing again to give their team a 45-13 lead in the 69th minute.
Stewart’s try was the 13th of the season, while Miller’s was the Waratahs’ 11th of the campaign.
But, deservedly, elegant outside centre-back and player of the match Georgina Friedrichs, who featured in almost every Waratah try, crossed herself to put the icing on the cake.
Lock Atasi Lafai completed the play with seven minutes left in full time.
AAP
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