The NSW Waratahs continue their incredible 20 match win streak emphatically defeating the Melbourne Rebels 67-10.
Both teams showed plenty of flair in the opening sequences of the match. The Rebels weren’t afraid to throw the ball around, controlling most of the possession in the first phases of play.
With little space Waratahs Fullback Mahalia Murphy made the Rebels pay, showing her power, speed and skills to cross the line 4 minutes in to put the home side 5 points ahead.
Piliae added the extra two points to give the hosts the perfect start.
A handful of Waratahs unforced errors after the restart gave the Rebels prime attacking real estate which tested the home team's defensive line.
The girls in sky blue extended their lead soon after with Georgina Friedrichs showing her speed breaking the defense and putting her left winger Tatum Bird over the line for another Waratah try. Piliae hooks the conversion to the left of the posts, Waratahs lead 12-0.
It didn’t take long for the visiting side to strike back. An aggressive series of runs from the Rebels forward pack saw Janita Kareta score her first try in Super W from a pick and go. Cormick misses the conversion, Waratahs lead 12-5.
Sera Naiqama resumes her 2022 campaign entering the contest early, after Coach Campbell was forced to interchange an injured Lafai.
Fluid phase play off the back of a strong Faimasui Brown run set Mahalia Murphy up for her 2nd try of the match and 6th try of the season.
It only took another 6 minutes for the Waratahs to string some passes together to help Murphy dive over for her 3rd try of the match and secure her 2nd hat-trick in as many matches.
Grace Hamilton lifts the intensity with a couple of strong carries to close off the first half with the waratahs leading 22-5 at the break.
Defensive pressure from the Waratahs after the break saw Margot Vella capitalize on a loose ball to score a runaway try 90 seconds into the second half. Piliae strikes it right over the black dot for the extra points. Waratahs 29-5.
The Tahs continued to rally, striking through from the restart as the back row of Brown and Hamilton combined to set up front rower Eva Karpania with a 60m run, adding another 5 points to the scorecard. Piliae’s conversion is unsuccessful.
An experienced defensive read from Barker saw the Waratahs start to put more pressure on the Rebels, turning the ball over deep in attacking territory.
Karpani and Naiqama became battering rams, charging at the Melbourne defensive line and setting up a sharp backline play which saw the Tahs scoring their 7th try of the match through Friedrichs. Tahs lead 41-5 after Piliae’s conversion.
A string of Waratahs errors and penalties saw the Rebels on the attacking side of their half. After multiple phases and strong team runs the visitors were add points to the scorecard though another Janita Kareta try.
The Tahs took little time to strike back with replacement Hooker Penelope Leiatua diving over for her first try from a perfectly executed line out maul. Piliae adds another 2 points to the scorecard, 48-10.
Friedrichs showed her class, dazzling the Rebels defense with her footwork as she broke the line to set up Mahalia Murphy up for her 4th try of the evening.
Tatum Bird was able to cross the line again scoring her second try from a sharp Friedrich’s cut out pass.
The Waratahs showed skill and confidence after the siren with Mahalia Murphy scoring her 5th and final try, sealing the match and the team’s 20th victory with the final score at 67-10 after Piliae’s last conversion.
The Waratahs will enjoy a well earned rest with the BYE next weekend and will take on Fijiana Drua in Round 5 of the Super W competition.
