One Down, One to Get: Waratahs eyeing off Super Rugby Championship after Super Rugby W success

Sun, Apr 13, 2025, 9:23 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The NSW Waratahs will quell their championship celebrations for now as coach Mike Ruthven and the team prepare for a crucial clash against the Super Rugby Aupiki winners Blues.

The two teams will face off on Thursday in Auckland to determine the inaugural Super Rugby champions.

Catch the NSW Waratahs face the Blues in the Super Rugby Championship live and on-demand via Stan Sport.

It's a vital first step towards a combined competition, with the Blues surviving an early 12-0 deficit and a late red card to win 26-19 over Matatū.

"They'll get an opportunity to go out and celebrate. They've worked super hard. We'll be back in at training Monday and traveling on Tuesday. We'll look forward to the opportunity," coach Mike Ruthven said.

"We have spoken about it and the importance of it in terms of the growth of the women's game and the opportunity to go over there and compete against New Zealand. 

"We'll certainly enjoy ourselves, celebrate the win and we'll get back to work on Monday."

The Waratahs faced the Blues during pre-season trials, with both sides giving a taste of what to expect with a thrilling 36-all draw.

"It's definitely important. Not only to compete with the New Zealand side because that's where we want the content, we want that merge, but to show Australia and New Zealand and potentially the world that this is where it needs to be and this is where it needs to grow," winger Desiree Miller said on the game.

"Women's rugby is only getting bigger and we've got to jump on the ride to propel it forward further.

"...You've got to work for your opportunity, and I think we showed that now, so hopefully, next year, we see a little bit of a change, and we can see that cross-Tasman competition."

The Waratahs are set to be without superstar winger Maya Stewart after her concussion in the second half.

However, hooker Adiana Talakai may return after her late withdrawal from Saturday's Final, having picked up a neck injury in the semi-final.

Share
Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker is ready for the unique challenge of Thursday's Rugby Championship U20s opener against New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
‘Going in blind’: Australia U20s embracing baby Bledisloe challenge as road to World Championship begin
'Most attractive in the world': Reds boss confident club will fill Kiss void
How Kiss can show his Wallabies worth with injured Reds
Australia U20s have been named to face the NZ U20s. Photo Supplied
Australia U20s confirm side for opening Rugby Championship U20s game against New Zealand