Waratahs confident but focused ahead of Super Rugby Women's grand final

The NSW Waratahs will look to defend their Super Rugby Women's title when they face the Fijian Drua in Saturday's grand final in Ba, with captain Emily Chancellor emphasising the importance of execution over celebration.

The defending champions booked their place in the decider with a commanding 33-22 semi-final victory over the Western Force in Perth last weekend, with Chancellor noting the clarity and discipline that underpinned the performance.

"We got out on the field in that semifinal and there was just this air of clarity around the group," Chancellor told ABC Sport. "It wasn't arrogance. It was just this feeling of we know what to do and we know how to do it, so let's just go out and execute."

Dominant first-half performance sets tone

The Waratahs' path to the grand final was marked by a particularly impressive opening 40 minutes against the Force, during which they scored four tries. That dominant display demonstrated the attacking prowess and defensive structures that have made them the competition's benchmark side.

However, Chancellor's measured comments reveal a squad focused on maintaining standards rather than basking in previous achievements. The distinction she drew between confidence and arrogance suggests a team culture built on professional discipline.

Drua's home advantage in Fiji

The Drua earned the right to host the grand final by topping the regular-season standings, securing home advantage in Ba. The Fijian franchise has emerged as a genuine Super Rugby Women's powerhouse, presenting a significant challenge to the Waratahs' title defence.

Playing in Fiji will present logistical and environmental challenges for the New South Wales side, but Chancellor's emphasis on execution suggests the Waratahs believe they have the systems and clarity to overcome such obstacles.

Team cohesion the key

The Waratahs' confidence appears rooted in team cohesion and mutual understanding rather than individual brilliance. Chancellor's reference to "trust each other" and knowing roles within the game plan indicates a side that has developed the patterns of play necessary to succeed under pressure in a grand final setting.

The defending champions will face their sternest test of the season on Saturday, with the Drua having earned their finals position through consistent performance throughout the regular season.

ABC Sport will provide live coverage of the Super Rugby Women's grand final from 10:30am AEST on Saturday.