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Waratahs remain unbeaten ahead of Super W finals
By AAP
The NSW Waratahs will march into the Super W semi-finals with their unbeaten record intact after rolling the Rebels 29-0 in their last round clash in Melbourne.
The table-topping Waratahs have set themselves up for a final four assault at Concord Oval in Sydney on April 30, running in five tries in their Friday night clash at AAMI Park.
Queensland currently hold down second place with three teams - 2022 champions Fijiana Drua, the Western Force and Brumbies - still in the scramble for the other two play-off spots.
Currently sitting fourth, the Force are two points clear of the Brumbies who they host on Saturday night.
Melbourne have finished without a win but showed their improvement through the season to hold the rampant Tahs to 24 points.
They trailed 12-0 until just before halftime when debutante winger Jacinta Windsor showed her pace to dash 60m in and around the defence to score.
NSW's early tries came after hooker Katalina A mosa mauled the ball across the line to open the scoring and then Wallaroos No.8 Grace Hamilton powered over from a five-metre scrum.
Waratahs halfback Tatum Bird had a busy game while Test centre Georgina Friedrichs was a constant threat.
Starved of possession and territory in the first half, the Rebels were constantly on the back foot and incurred 11 penalties.
But they settled into the match after the break with Wallaroos hooker Ash Marsters leading the way with some big hits.
They showed heart to regularly repel the visitors in the second half, even while down a player after prop Laiema Bosenavulagi was yellow carded.
The hosts held the Waratahs out until the 75th minute when a clearing kick by Rebels centre Wasie Toolis was charged down by Iliseva Batibasaga, who turned and pounced on the ball in the in-goal.
Speedster Maya Stewart then iced the win in the dying minutes after a spectacular team try that stretched 60 metres .
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Latest Comments
Well said Mils. It is a big boost at last having Fergus Burke back at 10 for the Crusaders. Had a great season last year as the article says. Mils is also right about captain Codie Taylor’s performance in his return to the Crusaders last week. He was all class.
Go to commentsLet’s make them both Capt. I think we'd get the best of both of them and it would help alleviate some of the pressures of the role. They'd have to confer over on field decisions which should lead to “ learnings “ for both. They are our two best consistent performers.
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