Source: https://tatimes.com.au/duck-enjoying-early-season-success-with-sydney-uni/?fbclid=IwAR1vZjU_U_1TnSM0OjdY1CqFmDv-yhZWhbYlL3YSwxAvoWC-l_lqkl0q89I

Piper Duck is continuing to thrive on the rugby paddock, with the Australian and NSW junior representative player most recently helping Sydney University to top of the table in the Jack Scott Cup. 

The students are currently unbeaten after three rounds, which is no easy feat, as the Jack Scott Cup is essentially NSW’s premier rugby 15s competition for women, and sits only behind Super W, as the nation’s premier competition. 

The 18-year-old has scored in every match for Sydney University too, and currently sits on four meat pies for the season after her side defeated Campbelltown 59-nil, Hunter 60-nil and Western Sydney Two Blues 42-5. 

“I’ve scored in each game, but it’s really a team effort and it’s just good to be winning,” Duck said. 

Duck’s new try-scoring feats can be attributed to her move out wide, after transitioning from second row to centre. 

“I am getting a new love for the game, I’m playing outside (and) inside centre,” Duck said. 

“I love it out wide, it’s so much fun. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy playing back row, but playing out wide gives me a chance get in to those one-on-one contests.”

The Tumut product has also enjoyed her time in Sydney, playing the 15s format of the game, after originally making a name for herself in women sevens. 

“I am actually loving it. I am really good mates with lots of the girls and I am getting a good feel for 15s,” Duck said.

“I really don’t know which one I will focus on eventually. I am just trying to take it day-by-day. I am really happy and enjoying it.”

Duck isn’t missing out on her sevens rugby though, with the Jack Scott Cup played every Saturday, and Sydney University contesting a fortnightly sevens competition on Sundays. 

“It’s kind of like Shute Shield of sevens. We play every second week and all the good Sydney teams are playing,” Duck said. 

Sydney University hasn’t had the same early season success in sevens though, finishing last and third in rounds one and two of the competition, but Duck said her side was getting used to playing a different style of rugby.

“It was good to get out there because I hadn’t played sevens since the World Schools at the end of last year,” Duck said. 

“In the first round, it was a little bit difficult getting used to it, but by the next round, we started to gel and get our things together.” 

Duck said that Sydney University had the capability of mirroring their success in the larger format of the game, especially with rugby sevens being played so often at the moment. 

“We have the capability to do a lot better than what we have. For a lot of the girls, and me as well; we are still learning and we get that experience by playing and winning,” Duck said.