NIB BLUES CROWNED TRANS-TASMAN CHAMPS

The Blues have been crowned back-to-back Women’s Super Rugby Champions after a hard-fought 24-17 victory over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

In a thrilling contest, the reigning Sky Super Rugby Aupiki champions showed their class and resilience to overcome a determined Waratahs side and secure another title.

The Blues were tested early when the Waratahs opened the scoring through winger Maya Stewart. However, the visitors responded in style, striking twice to take control of the contest.

Prop Chryss Viliko powered over from close range before Katelyn Vahaakolo produced a moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball near halfway, Vahaakolo chipped over the defence and raced away to score after Braxton Sorensen-McGee won the contest for the loose ball.

The Waratahs hit back to level the scores, but the Blues finished the first half strongly.

Vahaakolo crossed for her second try on the stroke of halftime, giving the Blues a 17-12 advantage at the break.

Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos extended the lead in the second half, finishing off a strong attacking sequence to give her side a valuable buffer.

The Waratahs continued to apply pressure and closed the gap through Brittany Merlo, setting up a tense final quarter.

The Blues were then forced to defend with 14 players after Danny-Elle Fesolai was shown a yellow card for repeated infringements.

Under sustained pressure, the Blues’ defensive effort proved decisive. The visitors held firm inside their own 22 and won a crucial breakdown penalty with 10 minutes remaining to deny the Waratahs a chance to level the scores.

With a Sky Super Rugby Aupiki three-peat already secured, the Blues have now added back-to-back Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final titles.

Blues 24: (Tries: Viliko, Vahaakolo 2, Roos; Cons: Sorensen-McGee 2/4)
NSW Waratahs 17: (Tries: Stewart, Ellis, Merlo; Cons: Hinds 1/3)