Cramer returns from Barbarians duty to start at fly-half in Reds-Waratahs Super Rugby Women's derby

Lori Cramer will start at fly-half for the Queensland Reds against the NSW Waratahs at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday at 4:05 pm local time, having returned from a Women’s Barbarians appearance against Wales at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium just days earlier.

The Wallaroos playmaker lined up at fullback for the Barbarians in a side that also featured NSW Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor and New Zealand star Ruby Tui. Cramer now faces those Waratahs opponents from the other side of the fence, as Queensland look to topple the two-time defending Super Rugby Women’s champions, who are themselves seeking a response after a loss to the Western Force.

Australia Sevens flyer Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea is another headline selection, earning a starting berth at outside centre after coming off the bench for more than 25 minutes against the Fijian Drua last weekend. Reds coach Andrew Fraser is expecting her to make an immediate impact.

“Alysia showed in her limited minutes last weekend that she has not forgotten anything about XVs rugby,” Fraser said. “She brings physicality and confrontation to the centres and she’ll have a good match-up against Wallaroo Georgie Friedrichs.”

Fraser was equally enthusiastic about Cramer’s return. “Lori is back from a big week away and a huge experience with the Barbarians. She did a good job at No.10 at the back end of last season with the way she controlled things. We are hopeful she’ll be able to free up some of our big ball-runners.”

Debutant winger Charlie Brigstocke is another name to watch, with Fraser highlighting her raw athleticism. “Charlie is a power athlete with real speed and is hard to stop when she gets into space. She showed some good signs in the trials, she trains really well and we are keen to see her in this one.”

Sarah Dougherty partners Cramer in the halves, with Ava Wereta named as the other midfielder. Piper Flynn and Brigstocke start on the wings, and Harmony Vatau fills the fullback role.

In the forwards, Eva Karpani — who scored a standout try against the Drua — starts at tighthead prop alongside loosehead Hayley Glass and hooker Zophronia Setu. Lucy Thorpe and captain Jemma Bemrose form the second row, with Zoe Hanna and Dillyn Blackburn at flanker and Tiarna Molloy wearing the No. 8 jersey.