Match Overview

The Tuggeranong Vi-Queens delivered a commanding 50-17 victory over a injury stricken Canberra Royals at Phillip Oval on Saturday morning in the BentSpoke Premier 15s. The a less then comprehensive performance from the visitors highlighted by the fact they played the whole game against a 13 player team fielded by Royals.

Playing in front of their home supporters, the Royals faced a stern test against one of the competition’s form teams. The Vi-Queens’ dominant display demonstrated the quality required to compete at the highest level of women’s rugby in the ACT.

Tactical Analysis

The visitors demonstrated superior game management, using their additional players and bench to advantage to build phases and create scoring opportunities. Their disciplined approach to territory and possession allowed them to execute their game plan effectively, rarely allowing the Royals sustained attacking opportunities.

The Royals showed moments of resilience in defence but were unable to establish any meaningful rhythm in their attacking phases. The challenge of defending for extended periods eventually took its toll, as the Vi-Queens capitalised on their territorial dominance.

Season Context

This result reinforces the Vi-Queens’ position in the 2025 BentSpoke Premier 15s.

For the Royals, this match against quality opposition provides valuable learning opportunities as they continue their development in the competition. The experience gained from facing ViQueens will serve them well in future encounters and the result would have been greatly different if Royals full squad was available.

Player Development Focus

The encounter highlighted that Royals efforts with 2 players less than the opposition showed the girls strength and determination against the odds to stay in the fight, but the overwhelming sustained pressure a 15-player side that also had the luxury of replacements and some kicking to the vacant areas of the field paid off for the ViQueens.

The coaching staff were extremely happy with the efforts shown and the fact the girls stayed in the game the whole time showed the fitness and skill is there moving forward. l