Chancellor returns to lead Waratahs against Reds in final-round Super Rugby Women's derby

NSW Waratahs skipper Emily Chancellor returns to the starting line-up for the final regular-season round of Super Rugby Women, with the flanker named to lead the side against the Queensland Reds at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, kicking off at 4:05 pm.

Chancellor missed the Waratahs’ previous outing — a defeat to the Western Force — after captaining the Women’s Barbarians against Wales at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium. Queensland Reds playmaker Lori Cramer and New Zealand star Ruby Tui were among her team-mates in that invitational fixture. The loss to the Force leaves NSW in second place on the ladder heading into the final round, with the Fijian Drua occupying top spot.

Coach Michael Ruthven has made four changes to the starting XV. Wallaroos prop Bridie O’Gorman — set to make her 38th Super Rugby Women’s appearance — anchors an all-Wallaroos front row alongside loosehead Brianna Hoy and hooker Brittany Merlo. Back-rower Ruby Anderson and scrum-half Martha Harvey have also been promoted to the run-on side.

“We have made some adjustments to our line-up this week to ensure we have some real punch and physicality in the second half,” Ruthven said. “We are really excited to have Caitlyn Halse back available this week. She showed her ability to influence a game in the first half against the Fijian Drua in Round 1. Em Chancellor also comes back into the starting team this week and we welcome her experience and leadership.”

On Harvey’s opportunity at nine, Ruthven added: “Martha has been working really hard around her craft and we are excited for her to get this opportunity.”

Leilani Nathan and vice-captain Kaitlan Leaney form the lock partnership, while Wallaroos star Piper Duck wears the No. 8 jersey. Harvey partners fly-half Pleuni Kievit in the halves, with Rosie Ferguson and Georgina Friedrichs in the centres. Desiree Miller and Amelia Whitaker start on the wings, and Wallaroo Waiaria Ellis takes the full-back role.