Both Super W semi-finals were cracking matches and well worth watching. The only downside is that not too many were aware the matches were being played.
They both would have been great promotions for women’s rugby. It’s a lot different to the UK where 58,000 watched England and France battle it out.
But back to the positives. Both semi-finals could have gone either way and were not decided until the last few minutes.
There has been a marked improvement in the competition. The Brumbies, who have been the big improvers, have had 18 debutants. That is quite a feat by coach Scott Fava.
The 30 player Wallaroos squad to be selected a day or 2 after the final is going to be interesting and challenging for coach Jay Tregonning. Most of last year’s World Cup squad are still around and have been playing well. Arguably there are openings in the back three, a couple of locks, and probably the big one: who will be the starting flyhalf.
Waratahs 17 Fijiana Drua 20
The Tahs got out to an early lead but after the 20-minute mark the Fijiana Drua seemed to have the upper hand in the contact area. Special mention to prop Siteri Rasolea who was near impossible for the Tahs players to handle.
This continued through the game until the Tahs brought on their bench. Both Rosie Ebbage and in particular Loretta Mailangi made a difference in the contact area. No doubt the Tahs also missed Eva Karpani.
The Fijiana Drua were able to continually get over the advantage line despite some terrific defence by the Tahs. As expected, the Drua played a fast offloading game. With the amount of possession that they had it always looked like they were about to break the game open.
But credit to the Tahs defence, they hung in there and scrambled well. In many ways the Fijiana just wore the Tahs down, as they were unable to get consistent front foot ball.
At the same time the Tahs will no doubt be disappointed they did not take the opportunities which could have won them the game. A couple of dropped balls close to and over the try line were costly, as were some poor lineout throws.
Despite losing, the Tahs still had some outstanding players. Grace Hamilton and Piper Duck led the forwards. Apart from Hamilton’s runs, she saved the Tahs with crucial turnovers at critical times. She probably does not get the credit but hooker Adiana Talakai again had a good game.
A bit like the Tahs men, the backline was a bit clunky, they have pace on the wings but were unable to utilise them. Maybe they missed having Katrina Barker at 12. She is not a big player but she is a smart footy player.
Congrats to the Fijiana Drua.
Despite the loss it was a good season for the Tahs with a lot of youngsters getting some great experience.
Reds 23 Brumbies 20
This game was an unbelievably tight affair. In some ways it felt the Brumbies were playing better but the Reds kept hanging in there. Both forward packs gave it to each other.
The difference was probably the edge the Reds had in the backline. Interestingly, the Brumbies had recruited three international forwards, the Reds three backs.
Not surprisingly for a Brumbies team, their first two tries were from rolling mauls. Even without Amy Rule the Brumbies forwards were a bit of a juggernaut, and their backrow was a beast.
Siokapesi Palu of the Brumbies is tackled during the Super W semifinal against Queensland Reds. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
It is difficult to highlight only a couple of players, but hooker Tania Naden and number eight Grace Kemp really stood out (noting Naden did have a couple of throwing issues). Also must mention, again, Faitala Moleka the 18 year old fly half, phenomenal for a first year and at that age, plus she kicks goals.
The Reds forwards are always tough. Year in and year out they hold their own with any team. Special mention of Annabelle Codey who had a massive game. It would not be surprising if she was in the Wallaroos reckoning again after missing out on last year’s World Cup squad. The backline has been a lot better this year.
The Reds recruited well with the Kiwi halves. In particular, fly half Carys Dallinger was outstanding. Her control and calmness were possibly the difference.
Although they did not use them as much as they probably wanted to, between Ivania Wong, Fijian flyer Heleina Young and Renae Nona at fullback they have a very potent back three.
The final between the Reds and Fijiana Drua is going to be a beauty. The question will be if the Reds can match up to the Fijiana Drua forward pack? And that is a big ‘if’. If they can, their backs should do the job.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Murphy is way better then Wong. I'm a diehard Reds fan and I do think Wong is good. But Murphy is way better. Much better attacking threat and trying scoring freak which is what you want on the wing. Wong is a very solid defender and fast but unless she's in wide open space she isn't going to score.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Agree would’ve liked to have seen more of Murphy at the RWC. I think part of the issue was with Terita coming from 7s probably took her spot as a power player in the back 3. Plus she doesn’t kick so they didn’t want to use her at full back instead they used players like Cramer, Piliae. That left a wing spot and they had Stewart, Wong etc. I think she would have been handy for the Tahs, she has power & speed.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Yeah she's been injured. The replacement 13 is pretty good but isn't that attacking threat that Dascombe is. It seams Super W promotion is being left up to a few amateur social media accounts and that's about it.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
Surprised Mahalia Murphy has gone to league. I've heard her in interviews say things that made her seem like she was a staunch rugby only person. But she was poorly treated/selected by the Wallaroos. She should have been starting wing or fullback during the RWC. Instead she barely got any game time. Whilst they are missing a lot of others from last year, the Tahs haven't made the final without her this year.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
I think that it is great that the women can switch between codes as the number of games played by the women has been low. The only concern is that the NRLW will lock them into a contract, not allowing them to come back & play union. With a home RWC coming up it would be good that the two codes could work together so players that want to ,could play in both comps.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Re the Tahs, sure they missed Chancellor but have to say Fi Jones at 7 was very good, although I wouldn’t have played her against the Fijiana. In regards to the international restrictions, I didn’t know either, it is just another example of RA’s lack of Comms & marketing. There should have been an article & profiles on who the internationals were at each team. Am a Dascombe fan too, was she injured?
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
At this stage am aware of 2 Tahs have joined St George, a Tah from last year is with the Tigers, maybe a Tah to Canberra raiders. Saw Cassie Staples who was in 7s program is at the Sharks. Mahalia Murphy looking for a club. Going to keep an eye on it.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
It would be interesting to see a list of Super W players playing NRLW this year. I'm not against the girls switching between the two to maximise top level footy as long as they aren't choosing NRLW over Wallaroos.
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
I can't help but think the Tahs have really missed Emily Chancelor at 7. She was a standout last year for Tahs and Wallaroos. H Young was an awesome find and was only able to be squeezed into the team due to Carys Dallinger qualifying for Wallaroos. Before hearing this I didn't know there was a restriction on how many foreign players they could select. Seems like a wise rule. I still think the Reds could strengthen their team at 15 with either Draper or Curtis. There's defs some club 15s 7s girls that should be picked next year. Really sad Dascombe is not available. She has been really good at 13 and could pressure Fredrichs for Wallaroos game time.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Yep Muzzo, I not suggesting the Aussie girls aren't as strong, just saying they may need to be aware of differences that many that it seems one of reasons that the Aus teams struggle against men's teams, that is perhaps lack of a comp just below. And for all I know Aus may have one, amd all power to them I just really want when the comp get's going it is something that works really well.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH Danny the Australian women are just as good as the women from Aotearoa. Look at the Seven's for a very good example, as the World Series competition is virtually always between the two nations. Even in 15's the improvement this year alone, has improved so much. IMO mate, if both RA & the NZRU don't get something like a Trans Tasman comp. going within the next year or two, then they shouldn't be there. As it is, just recently the NZRU has funded $22 million towards women's rugby. That includes both Seven's & fifteen's. So why shouldn't the women be like the men, & be noticed as the strength in world rugby is in the SH. The proof in the men's is that the NH have only won one RWC since its inception in 87. Then it was in Australia, the NH finally won one.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
No, I didn't know that about Dallinger. Will be interesting to see what she does.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Muzzo I looking forward to TT comp. with a couple of slight worries. We see in super that perhaps NZ teams go a little better with a back up comp in NPC and with women NZR has also the FPC, do Aus need to have a similar next strength comp? And other thing is NZ have 4 Aupiki teams because of lack of depth at this stage for 5 teams, we have seen what RA has said about entering in teams where they are competitive with Super. Just a couple of worries, although I love the idea of TT to give girls more rugby.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yeh it’s just I was listening to the commentary when it was said she was a Kiwi teenager. Not to worry though as she did play well. Also I still think there is some good girls coming through for the Wallaroo’s to consider..
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
For info Dallinger is 23. At this stage for Super W/ Aupiki, next season I would be happy with the top 2 of each comp play off. Or if it doesnt cost too much home & away domestic comps, then the top 2 play off. Super W not up to having a full trans tasman comp yet - Reds/ Brums/ Rebels improved because they had a couple of Kiwis, take them away and we are in trouble.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep pretty right Hugh as after Fiji the Wallaroo’s will be taking on the BF. Shame about Dallinger, as she is a teenager as well, & played very well. I noticed Ruby Tui is off to the USA to compete in their Sevens over there, plus at the same time, has resigned with the NZRU for both Sevens & Fifteens, for the next three years. In truth mate, I’m really looking forward to a Trans Tasman comp to be set up, but possibly another couple of years away. As it is now both Super W & Aupiki competitions are to short.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Yes a bit of a downer as a Tahs fan, a Tahs v Reds double header this weekend would have been good. Must admit pregame I wasn’t as confident as everyone else seemed to be. The Fijiana added a couple of their experienced players to the team. It seems the Tahs went for a more mobile pack which I don’t think you can do against the Fijiana. And yep I would have started with Mailangi. I guess you have read Dallinger is eligible for the Wallaroos, her father is Australian & she missed out on a Black Ferns contract. She has mentioned considering it. So who knows. Not sure who would play fly half, McKenzie still in UK til June, Brums’ Moleka only 18, Tahs Ella Ryan off to NRLW, so it might be Pomare from the Force.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Dallinger sounds like she is a bit disappointed she has missed out on getting a call up to the Black Ferns, seems she didn’t get a contract. They announced the last 3 in the last couple of days. As she has an Australian father she may put her hand up for the Wallaroos as the Black Ferns have selected some fly halves that are younger than she is, so she feels her opportunity may have been missed. That would be interesting, not sure what I think of it. Anyway I think we can put together a reasonably competitive Wallaroos squad, the one area not sure of is fly half – Bella McKenzie is in the UK, Tahs Ella Ryan may be going to the NRLW, the Brums fly half is only 18, maybe the Force’s Pomare is an option. Anyway we will know this time next week as the squad is announced to play the Fijiana on the 20th May.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
It has been a terrific series and you are right the women play with such passion and genuine enjoyment.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Yep Brumbies big improvers. No doubt having such a solid pack helped young fly half Moleka. Hope Reds get the win, then Wallaroos play in a couple of weeks.