NSW Waratahs Women are ready to take on the reigning champs in round three of the Buildcorp Super W season.
Waratahs Head Coach Campbell Aitken has made three changes to the starting XV. He has included a Wallaroos legend and has left the backline untouched.
Last Saturday the Tahs were able to steady the ship and get over the line against a tough Brumbies line-up. They look to step it up against Fijiana this weekend as they come face to face for the first time since the 2022 Buildcorp Super W final.
Aitken has rejuvenated the front row this week with Emily Robinson, Adiana Talakai and Eva Karpani all making their return to the starting XV.
After a barnstorming return last weekend, Eva Karpani will have the opportunity to play more minutes and have a greater impact on the game this weekend.
Rosie Ebbage and Leilani Nathan will continue their partnership together in the second row.
The back row for the third week in a row remains untouched as Fi Jones, who led the way in tackles last week (16) and Grace Hamilton keep their chemistry alive with Piper Duck. This trio will lead the way this Saturday and will be one to keep an eye out for.
Aitken has left the backline that carved up the Brumbies defence last week unchanged.
Layne Morgan returns at nine, and Ella Ryan continues her time at fly-half after an impressive shift against her former team, steering the team strongly and grabbing her first career try Super W try.
Katrina Barker starts at inside centre and will be joined by Georgina Friedrichs who imposed herself against the Brumbies, running over people, setting up tries and setting the tone for the Waratahs win.
Maya Stewart could do no wrong last week, nabbing a double, and bringing her career try tally to an incredible 22 tries from just 14 matches. Stewart will be joined by Desiree Miller who takes her spot on the left wing.
16-year-old Caitlyn Halse stays at Fullback. The boom fullback, showcased her class against the Brumbies, dominating the kicking contest and scoring her first career try.
Campbell Aitken has a lot of experience on the bench and will be looking to Bridie O’Gorman and Iliseva Batibasaga to finish off the game.
Piper Duck is excited to get out there on Saturday and take home the bragging rights heading into the business end of the season.
"We are extremely excited, the kind of energy that Drua bring to the field and the way they perform, is something that we are looking forward to," Duck said.
"They are such a tough side and last year not getting the result that we wanted and now having the opportunity to make it right on Saturday is really exciting. We have put a few new things in play, so it will be interesting to see how things go."
WARATAHS TEAM TO TAKE ON FIJIANA DRUA
1. Emily Robinson - 22 caps 2. Adiana Talakai – 12 caps 3. Eva Karpani – 15 caps 4. Leilani Nathan – 2 caps 5. Rosie Ebbage – 2 caps 6. Grace Hamilton - 25 caps 7. Fi Jones - 16 caps 8. Piper Duck – 13 caps 9. Layne Morgan - 15 caps 10. Ella Ryan – 2 caps 11. Desiree Miller – 3 caps 12. Katrina Barker – 22 caps 13. Georgina Friedrichs – 14 caps 14. Maya Stewart – 14 caps 15. Caitlyn Halse – 2 caps 16. Katalina Amosa – 2 caps 17. Brianna Hoy – 4 caps 18. Bridie O'Gorman – 16 caps 19. Ana-Lise Sio – 14 caps 20. Loretta Mailangi – 4 caps 21. Iliseva Batibasaga – 23 caps 22. Claudia Meltzer – 1 cap 23. Jade Sheridan– 1 cap
