Rugby Union Wallaroos Face Challenges, Remain Optimistic Ahead of Home Tests

Despite starting the year with three consecutive defeats, Australia’s women’s rugby union team, the Wallaroos, remain positive as they prepare for upcoming Tests against Fiji and traditional rivals New Zealand on home soil.

Following losses to Canada and the USA in the World Rugby Pacific Four Series, the Wallaroos traveled to New Zealand for a clash against the hurting Black Ferns. The Kiwis, coming off their first-ever defeat to Canada, responded with a commanding 67-19 victory over the Australians, running in 11 tries.

Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard acknowledged the disappointment of the one-sided scoreline, but emphasized the team’s long-term focus:

“Definitely disappointed. It’s not the result that we wanted, and I think the score line probably didn’t reflect what it felt like out there on the field.”

However, Leonard remained upbeat about the team’s progress, noting the potential and talent across the squad:

“We knew this wasn’t going to be a sprint and we knew that it’s going to be a long-term build over the next two years to be where we want to be at the World Cup.”

The Wallaroos showed improvement in the second half, with a “mentality shift” and better discipline:

• Our tackle completion was much better in the second half
• Our discipline didn’t let us down as much
• We actually managed to string a few more phases together when we had ball in hand

As the team prepares for upcoming matches against Fiji and New Zealand, Leonard stressed the importance of a positive outlook:

“We reflect and we’re honest with ourselves following this campaign, but overall, I think the messaging needs to be relatively positive.”

With a new coach in Jo Yapp and a fresh-looking squad, the Wallaroos are on a journey, and patience will be crucial from Australian rugby supporters:

“We know this is a new group, both on the field with the players, as well as the coaching staff. But as a group, we have full faith in the players that we have and we have full faith in the coaching staff and what they’re trying to execute.”

The Wallaroos will face Fiji Women at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on July 6 and then host the reverse Laurie O’Reilly Cup fixture against New Zealand at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium on July 14, as they look to build momentum and make progress towards the next Rugby World Cup.

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