Blues Captain Expresses Desire for Increased Support After Waratahs’ Supremacy in Super Rugby Women’s Final

The Blues have triumphed over the Waratahs, securing their title as champions in the first-ever final that pits the Super Rugby Women against the Super Rugby Aupiki winners.

In challenging weather conditions brought on by Cyclone Tam, the Blues and the Waratahs clashed at Auckland for the inaugural Super Rugby champions final.

It was the home team that adapted best to the stormy weather, emerging with a convincing 36-5 victory.

Reflecting on the win, Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos expressed her immense pride, stating, “We have such a wonderful group of girls. We’ve put in the effort all season, and it was fantastic to compete against our Tasman sisters,” she told Sky Sport NZ during Stan Sport’s coverage.

She added, “This is a significant step forward for the game, and we’re thrilled to be here, claiming the win.”

The celebration began for the Blues when teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee picked up the ball 35 metres from the goal line.

She broke free from Waratahs winger Jade Sheridan’s grasp and evaded halfback Tatum Bird to complete a stunning solo try.

Sorensen-McGee had previously scored the decisive try in the Aupiki final.

As the storm raged on, the Blues took a 12-0 lead with Elizabith Moimoi extending their advantage.

In the 27th minute, Sorensen-McGee showcased her brilliance again, sprinting from halfway and deceiving Caitlyn Halse with a feint before crossing the line.

At halftime, the Blues were comfortably leading 19-0.

The home side maintained control as centre Portia Woodman-Wickliffe powered through a tackle for another try.

Shortly after, a try by Taufa Bason was ruled out due to an obstruction involving Waratahs second-rower Kaitlan Leaney during the lineout.

However, the Blues had their eyes firmly set on securing a win.

After their players were seen enjoying themselves for the cameras on the touchline, there was an uproar of excitement when Cheyenne Tuli-Fale scored next.

The Blues transformed their possession from the ruck into an attack, shifting play to the right. With the ball moving through the hands of five players on seven occasions, Tuli-Fale then outmaneuvered three defenders to score, extending the lead to 31-0.

Finally breaking their duck, the Waratahs found the scoreboard as Desiree Miller pounced on a kick from Arabella McKenzie.

However, the Blues had the final word when Krysten Cottrell ploughed over in the corner, sealing a resounding 36-5 victory in the championship.

Despite their disappointment, Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor remarked that the day was a “significant honour”.

“You could see from our performance that we haven’t had much training in similar conditions back in Australia this season, making for a challenging game. Yet, it was also incredibly enjoyable,” she noted.

As the authorities of Super Rugby consider the future after this first championship encounter, Roos expressed her hopes succinctly: “We need more support, additional resources, and more matches against Aussie teams.”