Women's Super Rugby Champions Final: NSW Waratahs vs Blues - Amelia Whitaker returns for showdown

, 20. Tafito Lafaele, 21. Ffion Penney, 22. Ruahei Demant, 23. Mererangi Paul

The Waratahs arrive as three-time Super Rugby Women’s champions after overcoming the Fijian Drua on home soil in last weekend’s Grand Final, while the Blues travel to Sydney having completed a remarkable Super Rugby Aupiki three-peat of their own throughout the latest campaign.

The two sides met in the inaugural Champions Final last year, when the Blues claimed a commanding 36-5 victory in Auckland. However, Waratahs head coach Mike Ruthven believes his side will approach this year’s contest with a different mindset as they look to reverse that result.

The hosts have made just two changes to the matchday 23 that defeated the Drua, with winger Amelia Whitaker promoted to the starting side following a calf injury to Desiree Miller.

Waratahs Player of the Year Whitaker returns to the first XV on the left wing, while Caitlyn Halse shifts to fullback. Lusiana Vesikula is added to the replacements in the only other alteration.

Lock Leilani Nathan is also set to make her 25th appearance for the Waratahs, continuing her partnership with vice-captain Kaitlan Leaney in the second row.

Captain Emily Chancellor again leads the side from openside flanker, with Ruby Anderson and Piper Duck completing the back row. Tia Hinds and Waiaria Ellis continue their partnership in the halves, while Rosie Ferguson and Pleuni Kievit combine in midfield.

“We know the challenge that the Blues present but it’s a challenge that we’re genuinely excited to take on,” Ruthven said. “The players have responded really well following the Grand Final to embrace the challenge and opportunity in front of us this weekend.

“Compared to last year, I feel there’s a different mindset and a different vibe around the playing group approaching the Champions Final. “Our focus this week has purely been on why and how we can win this game of footy.”

The Blues have been forced into several changes following their Aupiki title triumph, with injuries prompting a reshuffle across the squad. Grace Gago comes into the starting side at hooker, while Eloise Blackwell returns to partner captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos in the second row.

Taufa Bason has been selected at openside flanker, with Hazel Tubic handed the fly-half jersey. Young winger Sariyah Paitai also comes into the starting back three alongside Katelyn Vahaakolo and Braxton Sorensen-McGee. The Blues will be without Jaymie Kolose, Atlanta Lolohea, Maama Vaipulu, Dajian Brown, Ella Henderson and Cheyenne Tuli-Fale due to injury.

However, the Aupiki champions retain considerable experience throughout their side, with Black Ferns stars Roos, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Sylvia Brunt and Vahaakolo all named in the starting XV. Ruahei Demant and Mererangi Paul will provide experience and attacking threat from the bench, while Zara Feaunati is in line to make her Blues debut.

With the Waratahs seeking revenge for last year’s heavy defeat and the Blues aiming to retain their cross-Tasman crown, Saturday’s Champions Final promises to provide another major chapter in the growing rivalry between Australia and New Zealand’s leading women’s provincial sides.

The Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final will be broadcast live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Starting XV: 1. Brianna Hoy, 2. Brittany Merlo, 3. Faliki Pohiva, 4. Leilani Nathan, 5. Kaitlan Leaney (vc), 6. Ruby Anderson, 7. Emily Chancellor (c), 8. Piper Duck, 9. Tia Hinds, 10. Waiaria Ellis, 11. Amelia Whitaker, 12. Rosie Ferguson, 13. Pleuni Kievit, 14. Maya Stewart, 15. Caitlyn Halse

Replacements: 16. Nancy Volkman, 17. Emily Robinson, 18. Bridie O’Gorman, 19. Grace Gillies, 20. Nicole Nathan, 21. Taj Heald, 22. Piper Simons, 23. Lusiana Vesikula

Starting XV: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Grace Gago, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c), 5. Eloise Blackwell, 6. Amarante Sititi, 7. Taufa Bason, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Tara Turner, 10. Hazel Tubic, 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 12. Hollyrae Mete-Renata, 13. Sylvia Brunt, 14. Sariyah Paitai, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Replacements: 16. Danny-Elle Fesolai, 17. Nijiho Nagata, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Zara Feaunati (potential debut)