THE Super W round two series opened with a thrilling 17-17 draw between the Western Force and the Presidents XV at C.ex International Stadium.

The Western Force dominated the scrum and opened the scoring through powerful running in the centre piercing the Presidents XV backline.

As the match progressed the Presidents XV imposed their running game spreading the ball out wide stretching their opponents and exploiting the space to score three tries and level the match 17-17.

Four days later on Sunday 30 June, the President’s XV backed up from their grueling 17-17 draw to defeat title contenders the Brumbies 19-13.

In the second match of the day at C.ex International Stadium, the Queensland Reds survived a flurry of attacks in the last ten minutes to defeat the Melbourne Rebels 17-12 to chalk up their first win of the competition.

The third match of the day between the NSW Waratahs and Western Force was cancelled when the Force returned to Perth as COVID-19 restrictions developed; all other teams remained in Coffs Harbour to continue the competition (as at the time of writing).

Rugby Australia General Manager Women’s Rugby Jilly Collins explained, “It is obviously very disappointing to be in this position, but we had to consider the welfare of our players and staff based in Western Australia.

“These programs are not full-time, players and management take time away from family and off work to compete in this tournament.

“Given the new restrictions implemented, our priority was to ensure the minimum of further disruption to their lives outside of the sport.

“The situation for our other teams is slightly different but we will continue to manage that on a day-to-day basis,” said Jilly.

 

By David WIGLEY