Wallaroos Seek Historic Victory over Dominant Black Ferns in Pacific Four Clash
As the Wallaroos prepare to take on the mighty Black Ferns in their final Pacific Four rugby series match, coach Jo Yapp has revamped her side in a bid to pull off a famous victory. The clash at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on Saturday will see Australia desperate for their first win of the four-nation tournament, but they will have to do so without star forward Ashley Marsters, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Wallaroos Seek to Bounce Back from Disappointing Loss
The Wallaroos were unable to maintain their momentum in the second half of their previous clash with the USA, ultimately falling 32-25 in Melbourne. This result has dealt a massive blow to their hopes of qualifying for the upcoming WXV 1 competition, which kicks off in September.
Black Ferns Suffer Surprise Defeat, Wallaroos Aim to Capitalize
Despite the Wallaroos’ underwhelming loss, the Australian side will take heart from the Black Ferns’ own surprise 22-19 defeat to Canada in the last round. Yapp has acknowledged the impact of Canada’s aggressive approach, stating that her team has been focusing on replicating that line speed and physicality to disrupt the formidable New Zealand outfit.
Wallaroos Make Changes to Lineup
As part of her reshuffle, Yapp has handed a starting berth to Queensland Reds captain Cecilia Smith, who will feature at inside centre. In the forward pack, lock Atasi Lafai and flanker Leilani Nathan have earned starting roles, with Kaitlan Leaney and Trilleen Pomare moving to the bench.
“We’ve been focusing on replicating that line speed and physicality to disrupt the formidable New Zealand outfit.”
- Jo Yapp, Wallaroos coach
Teenage fullback Caitlyn Halse has retained her spot after making her debut last week, while Lori Cramer has dropped out of the squad and Tabua Tuinakauvadra has been included as a new face on the replacements bench.
Wallaroos Face Daunting Challenge against Dominant Black Ferns
The Wallaroos have a daunting task ahead of them, having never beaten the dominant Black Ferns in their previous 25 meetings, including a 50-0 defeat in their most recent clash. However, with the visitors reeling from their own unexpected loss, the Australians will be eager to seize the opportunity and secure a historic victory that would boost their chances of securing a place in the prestigious WXV 1 competition.
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