A new class of Queensland Reds women announced their confidence and ambition in Roma today with a 41-12 win over the NSW Waratahs.
The victory at the Santos Festival of Rugby was another shot of belief after the drought-breaking 26-19 win over the Waratahs in the wet in July during Super Rugby Women's.
A large chunk of the Waratahs' regular starting side was on duty with the Wallaroos in France but the Reds had to dig deep for non-regulars as well.
What the Reds turned up were talented, hungry girls who do want more chances at Super Rugby Women's level.
Sunnybank fullback Vitalina Naikore continued on from her hot finals form with premiers Sunnybank with three tries. She has played for Fiji and dabbled in rugby league but looks to be back in the code that suits her best with her opportunism and support play.
She raced in a 75m intercept try in the second half when the Reds were skipping clear from the 12-all armwrestle early.
Pacy Wests winger Darcy Milfull threw the final pass for two of them as an eye-catcher in her own right.
Centre Melita Hicks, after years in sevens, showed her potential as well with a scything run for a second half try.
Easts winger Leilani Hills scored two tries herself as a replacement with speed to highlight the impact from the bench.
Another replacement, Aroha Spillane, made a 40m kick return in the second half to set up a try that swept 80m.
"To get it done with a bunch of new girls to the Queensland jersey was fantastic," Reds skipper Tiarna Molloy said.
"We love coming to the country areas, especially showing young girls wahat is possible no matter where you come from."
First-gamer Milfull lapped up her first appearance in maroon, even though it is a non-cap game.
"I was really nervous before the game. The nerves were gone after the warm-up and I just enjoyed it," Milfull said.
Hicks said is one of those women's players with skills for the sevens and 15-a-side game. The integration of players from both programs has won a fan.
"I've played a lot of sevens but I feel it's time to focus more on XVs. That was really good, the way we gelled and just the way girls have got around each other."
Head Coach Andrew Fraser had a broad smile after his last game in charge of the Reds.
"What a great result. We said before the game we wanted to show the talent of Queensland Premier Rugby and we certainly did," Fraser said.
"Showing the confidence to beat team in Australia in Roma is going to flow into confidence for next season when the reds program takes its next steps."
A red card hit both sides from a second half scuffle so the game was played 14-a-side for most of the final 30 minutes.
