Waratahs take down Reds 43-21 to snare back-to-back Super Rugby Women’s titles

The Waratahs continued its reign of terror on the Super Rugby Women’s competition - and the Reds - after snaring back-to-back titles with an enthralling 43-21 victory.

Kaitlan Leaney of the Waratahs celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the Super Rugby Women's Final match won 43-21 by New South Wales over Queensland. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

The Waratahs continued its reign of terror on the Super Rugby Women’s competition - and the Reds - after snaring back-to-back titles with an enthralling 43-21 victory.

New South Wales lifted its sixth trophy in just eight seasons on Saturday at North Sydney Oval, thwarting a gallant Reds outfit that never led but came within a whisker on countless occasions.

In the process, the Waratahs extended their winning record over Queensland to 13-0 since the competition’s inception in 2018.

Player of the game Desiree Miller was outstanding, scoring a try and shedding tackles in the titanic 22-point triumph.

Desiree Miller of the Waratahs celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the Super Rugby Women's Final match between NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval on April 12, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

“It feels absolutely unreal,” Miller told Stan Sport.

“It never gets old. This is my second one and almost even better than the first,” she smiled.

Miller caused havoc on the wing and carving through holes in the middle to be one of the most influential players on the park.

“We always knew it was going to be tough. We just had to stick to our processes, not everything was going to be perfect.

“We were quite resilient and we came back from that adversity. That’s what got us the championship.”

A 64th minute try by Reds prop Cristo Tofa against the run of play pulled the visitors to within eight points when trailing 29-21 and at that moment looked a healthy chance of stunning their interstate rivals.

When reserve front-rower Emily Robinson scored (69th) following a wonderful offload by bustling forward Caitlyn Halse, the Waratahs moved into the clear, 36-21.

Emily Robinson of the Waratahs scores. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

It nailed the coffin shut.

Then, with four minutes to play, star midfielder Georgina Friedrichs left her final mark when she pierced the line and added the exclamation point on a stunning win.

Georgina Friedrichs of the Waratahs celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the Super Rugby Women's Final match between NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF

Before two-try terror Friedrichs, Robinson and explosive pocket-rocket Desiree Miller scored timely tries to storm past Queensland in the second half, the Reds had knocked on the door in an admirable effort.

Queensland trailed 19-7 entering the second half after putting their bodies on the line to stay intact during a gruelling first stanza where right wing Caitlin Urwin and towering lock Vineta Teutau were exceptional.

Urwin made a terrific cover tackle on a try-bound Friedrichs late in the half but moments later Waratahs prop Faliki Pohiva crashed over to go ahead 12 points.

Caitlin Urwin of the Reds is tackled during the Super Rugby Women's Final match between NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval on April 12, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Through the middle, Teutau was in everything on both sides of the ball. She was responsible for seating countless ‘Tahs runners and moving the Reds past the advantage line as scrumhalf Layne Morgan released the ball quickly to flyhalf Lori Cramer.

Morgan scored a crucial try off a quick tap early in the second half which ensured the Reds were there at the end.

Earlier, Queensland made the most of one of few visits into the ‘Tahs 22m when prop powerhouse Eva Karpani burrowed over.

That try (27th) made it 12-7 but the home side returned serve promptly after Wallaroo winger Miller and Friedrichs had run rampant on the left edge to set the wheels in motion for a six tries to three take down.

Originally published as Waratahs take down Reds 43-21 to snare back-to-back Super Rugby Women’s titles