The final match of the Australian and New Zealand domestic women’s rugby seasons is set to play out at North Harbour Stadium, with the Blues and Waratahs unveiling their squads for the inaugural Super Rugby Champions Final.
Both Super Rugby Women’s and Super Rugby Aupiki wrapped up their seasons on Saturday, with the Waratahs claiming their sixth title with a 43-21 win over the Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval – claiming back-to-back titles for the first time since 2021.
It was a more dogged affair for the Blues, who overcame a physical Matatu 26-19 at Eden Park to with their second title – also a title defence.
The Super Rugby Champions Final was announced earlier this year, a growing indication that the two Trans-Tasman competitions will inevitably come together and follow the men’s competition.
While the Wallaroos are still to defeat the Black Ferns in their 27 fixtures, domestic sides have come a lot closer.
The Waratahs will likely come into this match as outsiders, having suffered several big defeats on previous tours to New Zealand.
However, the improvement in the quality of Aussie Women’s rugby has been noted since the arrival of Jo Yapp, with the Wallaroos winning the WXV 2 title in 2024, and Super Rugby Women’s experiencing a notable uptick in physicality and competitiveness – with all sides a shot of finals throughout the entire regular season.
This was even more the case when the two sides met during the 2025 trials back in February, the resulting clash see the sides draw 36-all.
It colours what should be a fascinating inaugural clash this Thursday at North Harbour Stadium – however both sides have sustained notable losses following their grand final victories.
The Waratahs have suffered one massive loss, with try-scoring machine Maya Stewart ruled out of clash after sustaining a bad concussion while tackling Reds fullback Charlotte Caslick – with Jade Sheridan coming onto the wing in her place, while Amelia Whitaker slots into Sheridan’s bench position.
It marks the only change to the side, with coach Michael Ruthven banking on a combination of nine Wallaroos and the promising extend squad to pull a victory.
They will have their work cut out against the Blues, with the hosts boasting nine Black Ferns of their own in their announcement, including the dangerous Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
However, the Blues will come into the match with two major losses, with 46-capped Black Fern Eloise Blackwell missing out after copping a red card in the Aupiki final, while the versatile 26-capped international Liana Mikaele-Tu’u will miss the match through a foot injury.
Despite this, the match will see an imposing Blues squad named, with the hosts not taking the Waratahs lightly – and the match proving an extra special occasion, with Chryss Viliko, Maama Vaipulu and Jaymie Kolose all earning their 20th caps.
Maya Stewart picked up a concussion following her side’s win over the Reds which will see her miss out – but she is expected to be fit for the Wallaroos’ Pacific Four Series. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
WARATAHS (1-15): Bridie O’Gorman, Britt Merlo, Faliki Pohiva, Kaitlan Leaney, Annabelle Codey, Nicole Nathan, Emily Chancellor (c), Ruby Anderson, Tatum Bird, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs, Jade Sheridan, Caitlyn Halse
Reserves: Millie Parker, Emily Robinson, Seneti Kilisimasi, Jayjay Taylor, Anahera Hamahona, Martha Harvey, Amelia Whitaker, Waiaria Ellis
Blues (1-15): Chryss Viliko, Atlanta Lolohea, Aldora Itunu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c), Maama Vaipulu, Holly Greenway, Taufa Bason, Elizabith Moimoi, Tara Turner, Ruahei Demant, Jaymie Kolose, Sylvia Brunt, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Reserves: Grace Gago, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Harano Te Iringa, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Dajian Brown, Kerri Johnson, Krysten Cottrell, Patricia Maliepo
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