NSW Waratahs centre Katrina Barker faces one of the toughest tasks in Super W rugby - shutting down Queensland young gun Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea.
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Not only is Waratahs coach Matt Evrard confident that the Novocastrian will contain Lefau-Fakaosilea in the final at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, he expects the pocket-rocket Wallaroo to make a statement.
"Lefau-Fakaosilea is the flavour of the month," Evrard said. "There is no doubting her talent. But she is a young girl who hasn't been tested at international level. Katrina has represented her country in that position and is ready to make a statement."
Barker and Newcastle Waratahs teammate Maya Stewart have been named at 12 and 14 respectively for the the decider.
Barker, 26, will be gunning for her second title, after helping the Tahs to an epic 16-13 win over the Reds in extra-time 12 months ago. She badly injured her elbow in the final moments of that match, but after a successful reconstruction, has played all five games this campaign.
"Last season, she got a bad injury after round one, which put her out for a few games," Evrard said. "She only just made it back for the final. It was touch and go, and she really didn't have any games to prep. This year, I feel like her game is getting better and better. The most important thing is that she is an out-and-out ball-player. She will be massive for us in midfield this week."
Victory would cap an amazing rookie season for Stewart. The 18-year-old, who was playing touch 18 months ago, made her debut in round one and has crossed for two tries, including a solo effort in a 15-12 win over the Reds in round two.
"She will handle it 100 per cent," Evrard said. "It was probably her biggest test against Queensland last time. She got one big opportunity in that game and crossed for a really good try, which filled her full of confidence. The more confident she gets, the more she uses that speed she has. It's a huge compliment to her, that we are starting her in the final ahead of Mahalia Murphy."
The Waratahs, who are unbeaten, finalised preparations with a training session at Leichhardt Oval on Friday night.
"I'm confident in our team, confident in how they've prepared," Evrard said. "As a group they are extremely good as a group at keeping themselves motivated... they constantly keep pushing themselves.... they're not undefeated for no reason," he said.
