Australian Wallaroos Seek Redemption Against Wounded Black Ferns
(BBC Sports, October 4, 2023) – Winger Maya Stewart believes the Australian Wallaroos have an opportunity to capitalize on Canada’s historic upset over the mighty Black Ferns when they face off against their Trans-Tasman rivals at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.
Last Sunday, Canada etched their names into rugby folklore by clinching the Pacific Four Series title for the first time with a 22-19 victory over the world champion Black Ferns in Christchurch. This came a day after the United States rallied to defeat the Wallaroos in Melbourne, setting the stage for a must-win Test match north of Auckland.
The Australians are yet to defeat the Black Ferns in a women’s Test, but Stewart is confident her side can “climb on the back” of Canada’s triumph. “They’re going to be wounded, they’re going to be hurt, and I think it’d be great for us to just climb on the back of that,” the experienced winger told reporters on Tuesday.
Coach Yapp Seeks Turnaround
Coach Jo Yapp’s appointment earlier this year was seen as an exciting move for the Wallaroos, with the World Cup on home soil in 2027 providing further motivation. However, the results so far have been mixed, with losses to Canada and the USA in the Pacific Four Series.
Flanker Siokapesi Palu remains optimistic, stating the team has “plenty of potential” and the wins will come. Stewart echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the “teething issues” but expressing confidence that the Wallaroos are heading in the right direction under Yapp’s leadership.
Must-Win Clash for Wallaroos
This weekend’s clash against the wounded Black Ferns is a must-win for the Australians, who need to beat their Kiwi rivals and secure a bonus point to avoid finishing fourth in the Pacific Four Series and missing out on qualification for the prestigious WXV1 competition.
“It’s massive. We want to be in WXV1 – that’s exactly where we want to be. We’re a team that can compete in WXV1,” Stewart said. “If we don’t come away with it, we’re in WXV2 and we’ll compete there as well. Regardless of the outcome this weekend, we’re going to come away and we’re still going to be competitive.”
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