Delport debuts more young talent ahead of final match against the Waratahs

Thu, Mar 12, 2020, 6:39 AM
Rugby WA Media
by Rugby WA Media

RugbyWA Women’s head coach Sebastian Delport continues to develop his young core adding another debutant to his match-day 23 set to face the Waratahs at Sydney University.

Maraea Green has been added to the long list of RugbyWA debutants with Delport planning to sub her in off the bench this weekend.

Green will most likely play in the front-row acting as a reserve for returning Hineana Dando and returning Raewyn Tuheke who has been selected in the starting XV for the first time this season.

Veteran Rebecca Clough will return to the starting line-up this week playing alongside Cottesloe teammate Chrystal Asiata.



Katie Barnes has moved into the flanker position where she will play in her new role as the team’s vice-captain.

Joining Barnes will be Neesha Barrett and Yolanda Forsyth to round out the backrow.

Trilleen Pomare remains as the team captain and will link up with young star Aiysha Wigley in the halves.

The rest of the backline remains relatively unchanged from their match against the Rebels, with Ariana Hira-Herangi and Taj Heald making up the centres.



Young guns Emysen Robinson, Claudia Nielsen and Dallys Tini will continue to develop their game in the back three after all having a number of stellar performances throughout the tournament.

Fredia Ah-Sam will pack a punch off the bench with Queensland loan Wynona Baice.

Paihau Pomare will play her second Super W game this season alongside Langley Sesega, Moana Paul and Cara Gleave as the reserve backs.

Rounding out the team is Cottesloe backrower Taylah Eastwood who provides much needed depth in the back-row.



Delport expressed his delight with RugbyWA's effort entering their last game of the season and is extremely proud of the many debutants he has started this year.

"We as a coaching staff are very proud of the six U18s girls that have transitioned into senior representative rugby this season," he said.

"As a group, the performance and relational character skills they have displayed have been first class."

"We look forward to seeing their ongoing development as part of our Academy and Pathway programs for many years to come."

Despite being told she would only be a reserve this season, Delport has rewarded Maraea Green with a chance to play after seeing her extreme dedication to the program.

"Maraea has been a fantastic member of this team," he said.

"Her development from our U18 Girl’s program into the senior squad has been great to watch."

"She has worked incredibly hard to develop herself and her game during the pre-season and we are looking forward to seeing her run on for a Super W debut this Saturday."



Despite not putting a win on the board this season the team has remained focussed on building and developing the young players in the side.

"Our focus as a program has always been to manage the generational change happening in WA women’s rugby as best we can, Delport explained."

"In alignment with Rugby WA’s High Performance Plan, we will be transitioning our best junior talent into our Senior and Development Academies post-Super W."

"As a team we have been working on maintaining our focus and levels of intensity in game."

"We know we are coming up against a very competitive, dynamic team on Saturday and we need to be accountable for the standards of our process if we are able to find success."

RugbyWA play their final match of the Super W season against the Waratahs at Sydney University on Saturday, March 14, kicking off at 3:25pm and streamed LIVE on RUGBY.com.au and Kayo.

RugbyWA Women's team to face the Waratahs


1. Hineaa Dando
2. Nadia Smith
3. Raewyn Tuheke
4. Chrystal Asiata
5. Rebecca Clough
6. Yolanda Forsyth
7. Katie Barne [VC]
8. Neesha Barrett
9. Aiysha Wigley
10. Trilleen Pomare [C]
11. Emysen Robinson
12. Ariana Hira-Herangi
13. Taj Heald
14. Claudia Nielsen
15. Dallys Tini

Reserves

16. Freida Ah-Sam
17. Wynona Baice
18. Paihau Pomare
19. Langley Sesega
20. Moana Paul
21. Maraea Green
22. Cara Gleave
23. Taylah Ewastwood

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