NSW’s women sense the expectation on them, heading into the inaugural Buildcorp Super W final, coach Rob Baumann says.
The undefeated side will take on Queensland in the competition decider and Baumann said they knew their northern rivals would be desperate to knock them off.
It’s not just the Super W where NSW has finished on top - Sydney has dominated the national championships in recent years, and Baumann said they were used to dealing with the pressure that comes with success.
“They've been a pretty successful group,” he said.
“Last year, when we were playing the nationals format, Sydney have won that competition for a few years.
“This year it's a different format but teams are certainly gunning for us.
“The pressure's always there for them.”
Queensland’s loss to NSW was their only defeat of the tournament so far, and Baumann said the tweaks their opponents have made in the season make them an even bigger challenge.
“They've got some great backline players, they got some talented forwards,” he said.
“There's threats all over the field, they're hard on the ball, they certainly make you work when you're in possession, so they're a good well-balanced side.
“They've got some great backline players, they got some talented forwards.
“There's threats all over the field, they're hard on the ball, they certainly make you work when you're in possession, so they're a good well-balanced side.”
The women will play their final ahead of the Waratahs-Lions match on Friday, the culmination of the inaugural competition.
“I think the crowds are getting bigger each week, I think it's a good product, the rugby's been great,” he said.
“From week one, right through to now, all the teams have been improving.
“Certainly, from our perspective, teams seemed to lift against us, so i think the competition's got some good momentum and it's a great product.”
NSW’s women take on Queensland on Friday in the Super W final at Allianz Stadium, kicking off at 4:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
