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AUCKLAND, April 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Teenager Braxton Sorenson-McGee scored two tries as the Auckland Blues beat the New South Wales Waratahs 36-5 in wet and windy conditions to win the inaugural Women's Super Rugby Champions final on Thursday.
The 18-year-old fullback's first-half double gave the hosts a 19-0 lead at the break in appalling weather at North Harbour Stadium and there was no way back for the 'Tahs.
"I just feel so proud right now," said Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos.
"We've worked so hard all season and to have an opportunity to play against our Australian sisters was great and a big step in growing the game."
It was the first time that the champions of Australia's Super W competition had faced the winners of New Zealand's Super Rugby Aupiki for a trans-Tasman crown as the women's game continues to expand.
The Waratahs came into the clash having won six of the eight Super W titles since the Australian competition began, and 12 of their last 13 matches.
The Blues have been equally dominant in New Zealand, claiming back-to-back Aupiki titles and winning 10 of their last 11 games.
"What an honour and what a huge opportunity for Australian rugby and for New Zealand rugby," said Waratahs skipper Emily Chancellor.
"As you might be able to tell from the way we played, we haven't had a lot of practice in those conditions in Australia this season.
"So it was a really difficult game but it was really fun."