NSW Waratahs, Wallaroos gun Maya Stewart stuns with seven-try haul v Pasifica rugby

It was a 15 minute purple patch that stunned both their rivals and even the players as the Waratahs amped up their preparations for the Super Rugby season.

Maya Stewart will be one of the weapons this season.

Maya Stewart only had to touch the ball and magic happened in the Waratahs trial match against NSW Pacifica on the weekend.

The first touch and the Waratahs had their first try scored in the opening minute of the pre-season battle.

Another touch and she was over again, again and again.

Four times in the first 15 minutes of the match and then another three times later.

It was a seven-try display that sounds a warning to the Waratahs rivals ahead of the women’s super rugby where the defending champions will go in with confidence, hot form and with one of the leading try scorers in the country across the game in their arsenal.

Stewart last year scored repeatedly for the Wallaroos, setting records and helping the Wallaroos establish their credentials shared of the 2025 World Cup in England in August.

The Newcastle star, who crafted her skills with the Nelson Bay Groupers, is in the form of her career after debuting for the Wallaroos back in 2022 following an ACL injury.

“We’re fortunate and blessed to have some talented players out on our edges,” said coach Mike Ruthven said.

“Maya had a great day finishing off some really good work that was done inside. I am pleased to have the depth of talent that we have.’’

Waratahs player Maya Stewart in action in 2024. Picture: Julian Andrews

Stewart’s teammate, fullback Desiree Miller, also made an impact with four tries and eight conversions in the 16 try, 98-0 demolition, at Eric Tweedale.

NSW Waratahs Head Coach Michael Ruthven said he wanted his players to “challenge themselves” in the game and they did.

“We challenged the girls this week around a lot of our collision and combat principles that we’ve been working hard on,’’ he said post the game.

“I thought for the majority of that they delivered well which is pleasing.’’

The Waratahs now ready for a quick tour to New Zealand for more pre-season trials and training against the Hurricanes and Auckland Blues.


Waratahs Women 98 defeated NSW Pasifica 0:
 Try scorers: Hollie Cameron, Waiaria Ellis, Milly Whitaker, Maya Stewart (7), Desiree Miller (4), Annabelle Codey, Georgina Friedrichs Conversions: Desiree Miller (8), Wairaria v NSW Pasifica Tries: 0 Conversions: 0


Originally published as NSW Waratahs, Wallaroos gun Maya Stewart stuns with seven-try haul v Pasifica rugby