‘No pressure’: Matt Burke’s daughter named for Waratahs debut
Updated . First published at
The daughter of Wallabies legend Matt Burke is set to make her NSW Waratahs debut in the Super Rugby Women’s season opener on Saturday.
Edie Burke has been named as the reserve scrumhalf for the clash with the Fijian Drua at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval (live on Stan Sport from 2pm AEST).
Edie Burke in action for the Waratahs. Waratahs
“No pressure Edie but she’s a Burke in a Waratahs jersey,” Morgan Turinui said on Stan Sport.
“I’ve seen her come through. Tell you what, she’s better in contact than her old man, that’s for sure, so she’s one to watch.”
Matt - a World Rugby Hall of Famer and 1999 World Cup winner - was standing next to Turinui on the coverage.
“That is a stitch up,” he said.
Waratahs coach Michael Ruthven has also named a rookie halves combination in his starting lineup.
Piper Simons - who has played for the Wallaroos but not yet NSW - will wear No.9 while Netherlands international Pleuni Kievit is in the No.10 jersey.
Kievit, 25, arrived at the club in the off-season after playing with Georgina Friedrichs in the US last season.
Pleuni Kievit of Netherlands gets tackled by Marie Yamaguchi of Japan. Getty
Kievit is a former Netherlands sevens captain who can play anywhere across the backline.
The Waratahs are defending champions.
“We have named a really strong 23,” Ruthven said.
“We are expecting a really tough challenge from the Fijian Drua and believe this group of players are the best to take that on. We are really excited for our debutants who have all earnt the opportunity to be a part of the squad for this opening round.”
The Drua have won the last two games between the sides in Sydney, including a 23-17 victory in 2025.
WARATAHS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Adiana Talakai, Bridie O’Gorman, Leilani Nathan, Kaitlan Leaney, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor (c), Nicole Nathan, Piper Simons, Pleuni Klevit, Desiree Miller, Rosie Ferguson, Georgina Friedrichs, Amelia Whitaker, Caitlyn Halse
Replacements: Brittany Merlo, Emily Robinson, Seneti Kilisimasi, Grace Gillies, Taj Heald, Martha Harvey, Edie Burke, Lusiana Vesikula
DRUA (1-15): Karalaini Naisewa, Bitila Tawake (c), Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Carletta Yee, Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher, Evivi Senikarivi, Varanisese Qoro, Aqela Raitubu, Josivini Naihamu, Ivamere Rokowati, Kolora Lomani, Litiana Vueti
Replacements: Keleni Marawa, Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele, Salaseini Railumu, Vatiseva Cavuru, Ruth Raketekete, Michella’e Stolz
