It’s time for the Wallaroos to celebrate.
First: their debut test match took place 30 years ago today, 2 September. Inevitably it was against New Zealand. Players from that game assembled for a photo to mark the occasion.
Libby Andrew, a member of the Wallaroos’ side, has written a book, the first of its kind, to record her memories. The title: “Wallaroo 19, Celebrating women’s rugby in Australia”. It’s available in Kindle format.
Second: Jo Yapp has announced the squad to undertake a tour of Europe (Ireland and Wales), then move on to contest WXV2 in Canada.
They are:
Lori Cramer, Biola Dawa, *Lucy Dinnen, *Ashley Fernandez, Georgina Friedrichs, Sally Fuesaina, Caitlyn Halse, Brianna Hoy, Eva Karpani, Lydia Kavoa, Atasi Lafai, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (captain), Ashley Marsters, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, *Tiarah Minns, Faitala Moleka, Tiarna Molloy, Layne Morgan, Tania Naden, Leilani Nathan, *Alapeta Ngauamo, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Trilleen Pomare, Cecilia Smith, Maya Stewart, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Natalie Wright
*uncapped
It’s a sad fact that a second list shows the players prevented from travelling through injury: Emily Chancellor, Bree-Anna Cheatham, Piper Duck, Emily Robinson, Madison Schuck, Allana Sikimeti, Adiana Talakai and Ivania Wong.
These include some whom the Wallaroos can hardly afford to lose. For example, Piper Duck had just been appointed the new captain by Jay Tregonning when she suffered an injury. She returned to action, only to fall foul of fate once more with a damaged ankle.
Talented as the replacements may prove to be, this represents a loss of elite match-day experience that is hard for Australians to acquire. This is shown by two of the most capped players, Ashley Marsters and Trilleen Pomare. When they make their next appearance, they will reach 30 caps each. Like so many other nations, the Wallaroos aren’t offered the number of tests they deserve.
They are the one Pacific Four team to miss out on WXV1 this year; the Eagles replace them. Now they will face the fierce battles that I expect WXV2 will offer year after year.
Their games against the two Six Nations teams will be very revealing.
Their coming fixtures:
European tour
14 September v Ireland, Kingspan Stadium, Belfast; KO 14.30 BST
20 September v Wales, Rodney Parade, Newport; KO 19.00 BST
WXV2
28 September v Wales, DHL Stadium, Vancouver
5 October v South Africa, Athlone Stadium, Vancouver
12 October v Scotland, Athlone Stadium, Vancouver
