Wallaroos aim to head into World Cup with Welsh scalp
Melissa Woods |
The Wallaroos are hoping that lightning doesn’t strike twice as they get the chance to square the ledger with Wales in their final Test before the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Australians will take on the Welsh at North Sydney Oval on Friday with the match following a 21-12 loss to the tourists in Brisbane last weekend.
The Wallaroos got off to a positive start, with Annabelle Codey crossing in the eighth minute.
But after a 30-minute delay, with the teams ordered off Ballymore due to lightning, the hosts lost their way to fall to Wales for just the second time in 10 meetings.
While they created plenty of opportunities they recorded 24 turnovers in the greasy conditions, with about half from dropped balls, while their usually dependable lineout faltered, losing five of their own throws.
Winger Desiree Miller said the review was “tough to watch”, with the team putting the error-riddled effort down to an off day.
The Australians will fly to the UK and face Samoa in their opening World Cup pool game in Salford on August 23 and Miller said that after three successive losses, they wanted to arrive with confidence.
“It was pretty tough to watch and it definitely doesn’t reflect what we’ve been working on the last few months,” the 23-year-old said.
“It’s just upsetting to see that we couldn’t put out on the field what we’ve been working so hard for.
“Fortunately enough, we have this next round versus Wales again to rectify that and produce a result we’re happy with and build some confidence, especially leading into the World Cup in a couple of weeks.”
Almost a year ago the Wallaroos were edged by Wales at home but a week later faced them again and rebounded with a thumping 37-5 victory which helped Australia clinch the WVX2 trophy in South Africa.
“I guess we can reflect back on last year and see that we can do it,” said the NSW Waratahs star.
“So, yes, something that we can definitely focus on in the days leading up but like I said, it wasn’t acceptable what we produced and we’re looking to really rectify that and produce a better result because that’s not who we are.”
A big crowd is expected given the Welsh supporters who are in Sydney ahead of the third Test between the Wallabies and British and Irish Lions 24 hours later at Accor Stadium.
“It’s predicted to be the biggest World Cup to date, which is awesome, and it’s great for the women’s game, so getting a taste of that, kind of acclimatised to that, it’s a good preparation heading into the World Cup,” said Miller.
AAP
