The Waratahs have continued their unbeaten streak against the Reds in Super W, running out 46-0 winners at Eric Tweedale Stadium.
Desperate to bounce back after their first-ever loss in the Super W competition and secure second place on the ladder, the Waratahs burst out of the blocks against their arch-rivals outscoring the Reds five tries to nil in the first half.
Waratahs Player of the Year Arabella McKenzie took over the playmaking duties for the first time this year and made an instant impact with some strong carries and slick distribution.
In the forwards, Grace Hamilton again led from the front with a huge work rate with and without the ball, while Natalie Delamere was impressive in her first start of the season.
Georgina Friedrichs grabbed the first try of the match in the 5th minute after a strong carry from Natalie Delamere off a 5m rolling maul allowed quick ball for Iliseva Batibasaga to find her centre against a back-peddling Reds side.
Ill-discipline from the Reds allowed the Waratahs to kick to the corner for a five-metre lineout and Natalie Delamere took advantage grabbing the second try of the day finishing off a rolling maul.
Iliseva Batibasaga scored the third try of the half sniping from the ruck from close range after back-to-back strong carries from Grace Hamilton and Arabella McKenzie had the Reds defence reeling.
McKenzie then set up her hooker for her second try of the match, slicing through the Reds midfield with a beautiful gliding run before finding Delamere in support.
Sera Naiqama added more pain for the visitors on the stroke of half-time picking and driving from close range to cap off a near-perfect half from the Waratahs and a 27-0 lead at the break.
The Waratahs continued their dominance in the second half with Piper Duck bursting through the Reds’ defence with a barnstorming run to put the game to bed early in the half.
Margot Vella then put the finishing touches on the win for the Waratahs scoring a double late in the game displaying blistering pace out wide.
Waratahs Skipper Grace Hamilton was happy with her side’s performance after suffering their first loss in the competition last weekend against the Fijiana Drua.
“For us today was about getting back to basics and executing,” Hamilton said post-match.
“I think last week against Fiji we didn’t play our game so today we just wanted to lay the platform down and then we knew the points would come.
“It’s a quick turnaround (to the Semi-Final) so we have to execute, there were some things out there that we didn’t execute as well as we wanted to but we’re looking forward to it.”
The Waratahs’ win ensures next Thursday’s preliminary final will be played in NSW, with today’s sides set to battle it out for the right to face the Fijiana Drua in the Buildcorp Super W Final.
