The Western Force’s dream of qualifying for a maiden Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final is over after falling 33-22 to the fast-starting NSW Waratahs in Saturday’s semi-final at HBF Park.
The ‘Tahs have made a habit of strong first halves and maintained that, jumping out of the blocks to race to a 26-0 lead.
The Force showed heart to rally, scoring three second-half tries to one but the damage was done in the first of Saturday’s double-header ahead of the Wallabies-Italy Test.
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Outstanding Waratahs scrum-half Tia Hinds and winger Amelia Whitaker scored both scored first-half doubles to a sizzling opening 40.
Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke pulled one back before half-time to provide some momentum, followed by an Aiysha Wigley try in the corner shortly after the break to offer hope. But Desiree Miller replied almost immediately to quell the fightback.
The Force kept pushing with further tries from Fijian flyer Adi Vani Buleki and Wests Scarborough back-rower Keira MacAskill.
The defeat ends the Force’s season following a three-game winning streak which provided hope of the Club’s first-ever Super W Grand Final appearance, having downed the six-time champion Waratahs three weeks ago, becoming the first Australian side to achieve that in competition history.
But the Force couldn’t repeat the dose on Saturday afternoon, with the ‘Tahs to travel to face the Fijian Drua in the Super W decider in Ba next Saturday.
Early on it was first blood to the ‘Tahs, with returning scrum-half Tia Hinds finding a pocket of space to score. Desiree Miller added the extras.
Nicole Ledington landed a big shot Maya Stewart, before the Force defence held up a ‘Tahs forward pack shove.
But it was the ‘Tahs dominating territory and possession, and they went further ahead with the Force down to 14 - after Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke’s yellow card for a high tackle – when Miller’s bouncing cut-out pass found Amelia Whitaker to dot down the left edge.
The Force pressed with Sammy Wood’s 50-22 earning attacking territory, but the polish wasn’t there to capitalize.
NSW had a third again probing down the left side, with fly-half Waiaria Ellis releasing Whitaker for her second. Miller’s conversion made it 19-0.
In the 35th minute, Hinds darted out of scrum-half for an incredible solo try, with Miller adding the extras for a 26-0 lead.
The Force pulled a critical try back prior to half-time to gain some momentum, with Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke charging over.
The WA side kept that momentum rolling with the first try of the second half within 10 minutes of the restart, with Aiysha Wigley reaching over in the left corner after Nicole Ledington and Trilleen Pomare combined.
But the ‘Tahs hit back immediately, with Ellis dummying before releasing Miller to go through under the sticks. Miller converted for a 33-12 lead.
The Force built pressure as they found some control in the game, pulling another back when Grace Freeman’s well-executed high ball for Buleki, was taken by the flying Fijian who burst clear for 33-17 with quarter of an hour to go.
The home side came close twice with 10 minutes to go, first Buleki raced on to a Freeman kick, only to fall 5m short under a Miller tackle. The Force then spread play left with Brooklyn Teki-Joyce almost over the line, only for Caitlyn Halse’s tackle to jar the ball loose with a try beckoning.
The Force would get across with Keira MacAskill scoring in the final play of the game, underlining the side’s never-say-die attitude.
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Western Force 22
Tries: Malcolm-Heke (40’), Wigley (46’), Buleki (65’), MacAskill (80’)
Conversions: Wood 1/3, Freeman 0/1
Penalties: Nil
NSW Waratahs 33
Tries: Hinds 2x (3’, 33’), Whitaker 2x (20’, 30’), Miller (49’)
Conversions: Miller 4/5
Penalties: Nil
@ HBF Park
