THERE was a moment when she admittedly closed her eyes, but the smile on the face of Claudia McLaren was long lasting as the Bathurst Bulldogs star enjoyed a Super rugby moment on Saturday.
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Not only did McLaren get to play in a curtain raiser to the Super W grand final at the Coffs International Stadium, she scored a try to help her Super W Selects outfit post a 17-15 win over the President's XV.
"I just kept smiling. It almost felt surreal, I think that's the best word to explain everything at the moment," McLaren said.
Saturday afternoon added to what has already been a big season for McLaren.
The talented fullback was vice-captain of the Central West Blue Bullettes outfit which won the New South Wales Country Championships and was also named as player of the tournament.
From there she was named in the New South Wales Country Corellas squad and when the notion of forming a Super W Selects side to play at Coffs Harbour was floated, McLaren was invited to join in.
Her team-mates included Lori Kramer, a player who has skippered Queensland, lined up at fullback for the Wallaroos and played rugby 7s for Australia.
"So I got a message on Tuesday to see if I was available, but like nothing was confirmed and we weren't sure if the add-ons to the team were able to come up. So I didn't get confirmation until Thursday night at 7pm, so I left Friday at 7am," McLaren said.
"So it was pretty last minute, but it was all worth it.
"Playing beside them was absolutely incredible, like Lori Cramer is just awesome. Playing her position and just the few things she shared was so helpful in learning more of the game."
Adopting a Barbarians type mindset - they wore their club socks and weren't afraid to attack - McLaren and her Super W Selects team-mates played out an entertaining clash against the President's XV.
While the Selects twice found themselves a player short due to yellow cards for high tackles, they stuck with their rivals.
It was 7-all at half-time and while the President's outfit were the next to score, McLaren put her side ahead in the 53rd minute. She showed her trademark blistering acceleration to slice through her rivals' defence.
"It was nothing spectacular, we just ran a switch, I didn't do much, it was more of a team effort when we got down there," McLaren said.
"There was space and the D didn't slide quite across which left a bit of a gap between forwards. It was cool, I actually ran the switch with Olivia Creswick from Dubbo.
"After playing Central West together a few weeks ago it was really nice to team up again with her."
That try made it 14-12, but the President's side regained the lead with a penalty goal.
They looked set to take the win as the clock ticked down, but there was one more twist to come. The Selects were awarded a penalty.
"We obtained possession and we were into extra-time. We got a penalty and I don't know how far out it was, but it was in front of the posts and Lori Cramer slotted it," McLaren said.
"I couldn't even watch. I was ready to chase if she went pear-shaped, but I was looking at the ground. It was awesome.
"It was so worth the trip, the field was awesome, the atmosphere was so professional, and then watching the final live was pretty cool as well.
"I don't think it could get any better at the moment."
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