Wallaroos winger, SVNS star headline Waratahs side for semi-final

Wallaroos winger Maya Stewart will wear the cambridge blue jersey of the NSW Waratahs for the first time this season on Saturday, named in the run-on side for a Super Rugby Women’s semi-final against the Western Force.

Stewart was kept on the sidelines throughout the regular season because of an ankle injury but is back for finals football, as one of three changes to the starting side that was beaten by the Queensland Reds 26-19 in Sydney.

Waratahs vice-captain Desiree Miller shifts to the bench, with winger Amelia Whitaker rounding out the back three trio. Australia Sevens playmaker Tia Hinds will debut for the Tahs at scrum-half and Faliki Pohiva trades places with Bridie O’Gorman up front.

Emily Chancellor leads a side that is chasing a third straight Super Rugby Women’s title, but first-ever losses to the Western Force and Reds saw them finish the round robin in third place, with the Fijian Drua claiming top spot.

“We welcome the return of Maya Stewart and Caitlyn Halse and the Waratahs debut of Tia Hinds this week. To have their experience join the group at a critical time is incredibly valuable for the team,” coach Ruthven said.

“The return of these players has allowed us to look at a different picture in the backline which we are really excited about.

“The opportunity to play this game as part of a double header with the Wallabies is exciting for the players and they are looking forward to putting on a strong performance.

“As a group we have had a really productive two weeks and have strong confidence in how we want to attack this game. Everyone is looking forward to the opportunity in front of us.”

Brianna Hoy and Brittany Merlo joins Pohiva in an all-Wallaroos front-row, while Leilani Nathan and Kaitlan Leaney complete the tight five. Ruby Andersona and Chancellor start on the flanks, with Piper Duck the first-choice No. 8.

Hinds will link up with capped Wallaroo Waiaria Ellis in the halves, while Rosie Ferguson and Pleuni Kievit combine in the midfield. Whitaker and Stewart line up on the wings, while Miller will wear the No. 15 jumper.

This match takes place in a historic double-header with the Nations Championship match between the Wallaroos and Italy. It kicks off at 4:00 AEST at Perth’s HBF Park on Saturday.

NSW Waratahs team for 2026 Super Rugby Women’s semi-final

1. Brianna Hoy
2. Brittany Merlo
3. Faliki Pohiva
4. Leilani Nathan
5. Kaitlan Leaney (vc)
6. Ruby Anderson
7. Emily Chancellor ©
8. Piper Duck
9. Tia Hinds
10. Waiaria Ellis
11. Amelia Whitaker
12. Rosie Ferguson
13. Pleuni Kievit
14. Maya Stewart
15. Desiree Miller (vc)

Replacements

16. Nancy Volkman

17. Emily Robinson

18. Bridie O’Gorman

19. Grace Gillies

20. Nicole Nathan

21. Edie Burke

22. Lusiana Vesikula

23. Caitlyn Halse