Both Super W semi-finals last week were cracking matches and well worth watching. The only downside is that not too many were aware the matches were being played.

They both would have been great promotions for women’s rugby. It’s a lot different to the United Kingdom where 58,000 watched England and France battle it out.

Back to the positives – both semi-finals could have gone either way and were not decided until the last few minutes.

There has been a marked improvement in the competition. The Brumbies, who have been the big improvers, have had 18 debutants. That is quite a feat by coach Scott Fava.

Waratahs 17 Fijiana Drua 20

The Tahs got out to an early lead but after the 20-minute mark the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua seemed to have the upper hand in the contact area. Special mention to prop Siteri Rasolea who was near impossible for the Tahs players to handle.

This continued through the game until the Tahs brought on their bench. Both Rosie Ebbage and in particular Loretta Mailangi made a difference in the contact area. No doubt the Tahs also missed Eva Karpani.

The Fijiana Drua were able to continually get over the advantage line despite some terrific defence by the Tahs. As expected, the Drua played a fast offloading game. With the amount of possession that they had it always looked like they were about to break the game open.

But credit to the Tahs defence, they hung in there and scrambled well. In many ways the Fijiana just wore the Tahs down, as they were unable to get consistent front foot ball.

At the same time the Tahs will no doubt be disappointed they did not take the opportunities which could have won them the game. A couple of dropped balls close to and over the try line were costly, as were some poor lineout throws.

Despite losing, the Tahs still had some outstanding players. Grace Hamilton and Piper Duck led the forwards. Apart from Hamilton’s runs, she saved the Tahs with crucial turnovers at critical times. She probably does not get the credit but hooker Adiana Talakai again had a good game.

A bit like the Tahs men, the backline was a bit clunky, they have pace on the wings but were unable to utilise them. Maybe they missed having Katrina Barker at 12. She is not a big player but she is a smart footy player.

Congrats to the Fijiana Drua.

Reds 23 Brumbies 20

This game was an unbelievably tight affair. In some ways it felt the Brumbies were playing better but the Reds kept hanging in there.

Source: -rugby.com.au

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