Stirling County have set high standards from day one of this season and No.8 Samaanther Taganekurukuru wants the squad to keep that up when thy host Watsonians in the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership final at Bridgehaugh on Saturday (4.10pm, live on BBC ALBA).
Thirteen stage one and stage two regular campaign games have been played by them so far and they garnered 65 points out of a possible 65.
Three of the wins in the run came against Watsonians, but the hosts know they will have to be ‘on it’ if they are to make that four this weekend and get their hands on the league trophy for the third time in four years.
Taganekurukuru, the 21-year-old who was born and grew up in Fiji, moved to St Andrews in 2015 and took up rugby at Howe of Fife when she was 15, will be key if County are to get the result they want and the Scotland under-20 cap was this week named in the Glasgow Warriors Celtic Challenge squad.
“This season has been such a great journey for our team,” she said.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls, the coaching staff and the supporters who have put their time and effort into getting us this far. Coming back from a knee injury after the last Celtic Challenge season was incredibly difficult and being able to play so regularly this year is something I honestly didn’t think I would be able to do. My goal this season was to show how much resilience I have in me and show how determined I am to have returned stronger.
“As a team, we are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. If you had asked us at the start of the season how things were going to go, none of us would have imagined the season unfolding the way it has.
“What I admire most about this team is that, no matter what happens in a game, our mindset never shifts. We always encourage each other to keep our heads up whatever the situation. Sometimes it is difficult when things don’t go your way, but we constantly remind ourselves that no matter what happens, you play for the team mates beside you for the full 80 minutes.
“The spirit has been very positive throughout the season. Everyone looks forward to every game and everyone is eager to improve from the last. The drive within the squad has been consistent and everyone pushes each other to be better.”
After being part of the County squad to win the 2023/24 title, Taganekurukuru says losing last year’s league final to Corstorphine Cougars was “heartbreaking” after a tough year with so many injuries and players having to move into new positions.
“As a result, at the start of this season, I said it was all about redemption and I stand by that,” she stated,
“As a squad, we refuse to feel the same way we did after last year’s final. We have come this far and we are not going to stop any time soon.
“Our aim is to stick to our style of play and never underestimate our opponent. We need to ensure our set piece is sharp so that we can produce clean ball for our backline and we also must stay connected in defence.
“Watsonians always have a strong side and facing them is always a challenge. After beating them in the last league match, I am confident they will come into this final with that result in the back of their minds and use it as motivation. I’m confident in our squad and I back every single player all the way.
“Our goal is to maintain our standards and even better them, the only direction from here is upwards and we will play this game with everything we have.
I believe in the girls fully, we don’t know what the outcome will be on the day, but the game will show who is truly up for it and who wants the win more.”
Samaanther Taganekurukuru is pictured – thanks to ST Photography
From November 14 to December 14, GH Media will be featuring on all aspects of women’s rugby in Scotland including the exciting conclusion to the domestic Premiership, news on Scots playing down south and lots more during a busy month.