Former CSU Reddies star Claudia Obst admits her re-introduction to Super W rugby didn’t quite go to plan but the young gun is determined to make her second chance count.
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The utility back was overlooked for the Super W Brumbies squad last month and looked set for a season in the sevens academy program before injuries paved her way for a 15-a-side comeback.
Obst soon found herself in the firing line, thrust into the fullback role during the Brumbies’ heavy trial match loss to NSW Waratahs last weekend.
It’s a rugby lesson she’s not likely to forget.
“Yeah it was rough, very rough out there,” Obst said.
“I played in fullback and a bit at 12 as well, which was hard because I’ve only been training with the squad for about a week.
“But even though it wasn’t the result that we wanted, it was definitely good to get a hit-out against NSW before we go into the Super W program.
“We’ve got them coming up in round one and I think (the loss) has given us a better understanding of how they play and also a bit of a wake-up call for us to step up.”
Obst identified poor on-field communication as the major area of concern against the reigning Super W premiers but said there had already been noted improvements in training since the loss.
“Communication let us down out there, I think we were very poor in that and that’s a big thing in footy just knowing where your players are and getting everyone on the same page.”
“I think we’re starting to gel together a bit better now so we just need to keep putting in the effort and the hard yards.
“We’re playing on a pretty big stage and it’s a big deal to play Super W - the women’s game is growing immensely with more trials and more games and more people watching.
“We want to be putting our best foot forwards and doing the little things right.”
With just one more trial match before the Super W begins in earnest, Obst is eager to lock down a place in the match day 23 and should get her chance in Saturday’s upcoming clash with the Rebels in Albury.
The Wagga product will start off an extended bench and hopes to spend some time in the playmaker’s jersey.
“I’m really hoping to get a run at 10 this weekend - that’s definitely my preferred position but I’ll be happy to play anywhere the coach picks me,” Obst said.
CSU Reddies flyer Biola Dawa and Tumut’s Michelle Perry have been named to start at left wing and inside centre respectively while Ag College’s Harriet Elleman and Cootamundra forward Sammy Maxwell join Obst on the pine.
Perry was the Brumbies’ sole try-scorer in their 74-7 trial match loss last week.
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