A gritty second half fightback in Sydney showed the heart in the Queensland Reds right to the end of the final game of their Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s campaign.
The Reds fought back from an early 14-0 deficit to trail 27-19 inside the final 10 minutes before falling 34-19 on full-time to the undefeated NSW Waratahs.
“Absolutely, we showed grit. We always love a clash against NSW and the girls really levelled up,” said Reds captain Cecilia Smith.
“We talk about second efforts when there is no more to give and we really showed that in defence to the end.
“I know it was a disappointing season but a lot of new talent came through, got caps under their belt and come next season we’ll be ready to go.”
In all, 12 players debuted for the Reds in their 1-4 season, including replacement hooker Isabelle Robinson in the game against the Waratahs.
Twice, her pick-and-go plays advanced the Reds until prop Charli Jacoby drove for the line once more for the try at the 64-minute mark that closed the scores to 27-14.
It became 27-19 when centre Smith strolled in after picking up a loose ball when flyhalf Carys Dallinger fell awkwardly after copping a big shot. Wallaroo Dallinger was carried off.
The Reds had earlier scored their opening try just before half-time through another pick-and-drive play by hooker Tiarna Molloy.
One incisive run infield by teenage winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and the workrate of lock Lucy Thorpe were snapshots of productive signs from two 2024 debutants.
NSW WARATAHS 34: Tries: Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse, Atasi Lafai, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Conversions: Arabella McKenzie 2, Desiree Miller, Penalty Goal: Arabella McKenzie Defeated QUEENSLAND REDS 19: Tries: Tiarna Molloy, Charli Jacoby, Cecilia Smith. Conversions: Lori Cramer 2
At Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Half-time: Waratahs 17-Reds 7
