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Where it all began: Pomare reflects on Irish return as Wallaroos prepare for rare Test
Tue, Sep 10, 2024, 11:05 AM
Nathan Williamson
Wallaroos vice-captain Trilleen Pomare has taken the time to reminisce as the Australians return to the place where the experience back made her debut on the Test arena.
Pomare is the lone player left from the last time the Wallaroos faced Ireland as they prepare for just their fifth-ever match-up on Saturday (AWST).
The match-up occurred at the 2017 World Cup, with the 31-year-old becoming Wallaroos #155 after starting in a 19-17 loss in the group stages to the hosts.
The two sides would rematch in the 5th-8th place playoff, Pomare coming off the bench in a 36-24 win.
“It was heaps of fun, that was my debut game in 2017 when I started at flyhalf. To be the only one left is pretty special," she said
“Them being in the Six Nations, they get a lot of Test matches so there’s a lot of continuity and they’ve grown a lot as a team.
“I think the kicking game is something we’re going to have to adapt to, Northern Hemisphere sides play a completely different game compared to the Black Ferns but our back three is going to have to be one and ready to counter. We’ll be up for the challenge.”
A lot has changed since the last game, with Pomare growing into a leadership role as the young squad takes in their first European tour.
“I think we have a good leadership group, a good bunch of older and younger players so we check in on each other and I think that’s the most crucial thing being away from our families for so long," she explained.
“We have a good support system here within our own group and also having a mental skills coach to help support and navigate us through those challenges.
“It’s always a challenge being away from family and so far away from home. We’re each other’s family for now and we’ve really got to make sure we stick together.
“I think any opportunity where you can mimic a World Cup year is crucial for our own development
“We’ve got to earn how to build our own skills to get through long tours being away from and dealing with selections, non selections and what role you play whether you’re inside or outside of the 23.”
Pot of Gold: Bridie O'Gorman relishing return to Irish 'homeland' with Wallaroos
Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 2:09 PM
Nathan Williamson
When the Wallaroos take the field in Belfast against Ireland, there'll be a small patch of gold in a sea of green as the extended O'Gorman family cheer on the experienced prop.
With a last name like O'Gorman, the 25-year-old naturally has a deep family connection with the Emerald Isle with cousins and family across the country.
“My dad’s from Tipperary just south of Dublin but I’ve also got some family in London and some in Cork and Limerick so I’ll be shooting them a message and see if they want to make the drive up,” O’Gorman said to Rugby.com.au.
“It’s super exciting for me. I haven’t played Ireland before and I’m just keen to get out there and keen to go back to the homeland.
O'Gorman will look to convince the 20+ relatives to pull on the gold jersey for the day as the Wallaroos face Ireland as part of their 150th-anniversary celebrations.
“I’m really keen. I haven’t been there for probably 10 or 15 years so it’ll be good to play over there and link up with my family again," she added before the side headed overseas.
“They haven’t messaged yet (for tickets) but I’m sure it’ll come closer to the day.”
Ireland will loom as a perfect test for the Australians, who last played them at the 2017 World Cup.
The tenth-ranked Irish surprised many to lock in a spot in WXV 1 after finishing third in the Six Nations whilst Australia prepares to head to WXV 2 in South Africa later in the month.
As the World Cup approaches, O'Gorman and the Wallaroos have their full focus on building for next year's event, set to take place just a short hop over the Irish Sea in England.
“As a group, our goal at the moment is that performance at the World Cup," she believes.
“Everything from now is preparing us for that and one year goes pretty quick so we’re starting to get ready now.”
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
I'm sure Michaela will be far more professional than I would be about this...
Looking at combining with a couple of other selections, I suspect there's an element of WXV "Trial" going on, but a significant kick in the leadership guts as she's hardly put a foot wrong since taking over from Duck.
Hopefully Stan has some commentary around the decision.
Ngauamo and Dinnen set to make long-awaited Wallaroos debuts
Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 2:01 PM
Ben Somerford
https://westernforce.rugby/news/ngau...debuts-2024912
Western Force pair Alapeta Ngauamo and Lucy Dinnen are set to make their Wallaroos debuts after being named in the 23-player team to face Ireland on Saturday.
The Wallaroos will face the Irish in Belfast from 9:30pm WST on Saturday live on Stan Sport as preparation for the upcoming WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town.
Prop Ngauamo and back-rower Dinnen have been named as reserves, while Michaela Leonard is in the starting XV.
Dinnen’s Test debut would come at the age of 31, having been in extended squads in the lead-up to the 2022 Rugby World Cup previously.
She moved to Perth prior to the 2024 Super W season where she played six games and has played locally with Wanneroo in the Fortescue Women's Premier Grade. She previously played for the Queensland Reds and won the Super W Player of the Year in 2021.
Front-rower Ngauamo received her maiden call-up in June in an extended squad for a training camp in Canberra and is set to debut at 35-years-old.
She also switched Queensland for Perth prior to the 2024 season, where she excelled with six appearances and a try for the Force.
“We’re all really excited to be here in Belfast and I’ve been pleased with how the players have settled in and responded with the travel and being away from home,” Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said.
“We want to put in a good performance on Saturday and build on what we’ve been working on in recent camps. It’s a new-look side selected and it’s important with a few injuries to build depth in key areas and give players an opportunity.
“Alapeta, Lucy and Tiarah are all deserving of their first Test caps this weekend and we’re looking forward to watching them play.”
New captain, three debutants named as Wallaroos revamp side for Ireland Test
Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 1:58 PM
Nathan Williamson
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has shaken up the side as they face Ireland in Belfast on Saturday, making a raft of changes headlined by new captain Siokapesi Palu.
Palu takes over the duties from Michaela Leonard for the game, who stays in the side in the second row.
Catch the Wallaroos take on Ireland live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport
Tuinakauvadra replaces the inured Piper Duck at number eight whilst the elevation of Nathan back into the starting side comes as Ash Marsters moves to hooker following a finger injury to Tania Naden.
Bridie O’Gorman shifts from tighthead to loosehead prop after Brianna Hoy ruptured her ACL at training.
It’s a new look halves partnership as Natalie Wright gets her first start for the Wallaroos alongside Faitala Moleka.
Maya Stewart completes her return from a hamstring injury to partner Desiree Miller and Lori Cramer in the other change to the backline.
On the bench, forwards trio Alapeta Ngauamo, Tiarah Minns and Lucy Dinnen are in line for their Wallaroos debut.
Ngauamo provides front-row cover alongside Lydia Kavoa, with the flanker shifting to the front-row amid the injury crisis.
Minns makes a long-anticipated debut after featuring in past Wallaroos' wider squads whilst Dinnen (née Lockhart) caps off a successful return after linking up with the Western Force initially in the extended squad injury cover.
“We’re all really excited to be here in Belfast and I’ve been pleased with how the players have settled in and responded with the travel and being away from home,” Yapp said in a statement.
“We want to put in a good performance on Saturday and build on what we’ve been working on in recent camps.
“It’s a new-look side selected and it’s important with a few injuries to build depth in key areas and give players an opportunity.
“Alapeta, Lucy and Tiarah are all deserving of their first Test caps this weekend and we’re looking forward to watching them play.”
WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO FACE IRELAND
1. Bridie O'Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 22 caps
2. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Booroondarra) – 29 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 - Onkaparinga) – 26 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - CSU Marlins) – 20 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 27 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 11 caps
7. Leilani Nathan (#202 - Hamilton Hawks) – 7 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 6 caps
9. Natalie Wright (#213 - Wests Bulldogs) – 2 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 11 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 7 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 15 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 24 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 - Nelson Bay Gropers) – 11 caps
15. Lori Cramer (#172 - University of Queensland) – 23 caps
16. Tiarna Molloy (#191 - Inverell Highlanders) – 3 caps
17. Alapeta Ngauamo* (Wests Bulldogs) - uncapped
18. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) - 1 cap
19. Tiarah Minns* (Melbourne Uni/Manly Mermaids) – uncapped
20. Lucy Dinnen* (Wanneroo) – uncapped
21. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 26 caps
22. Arabella McKenzie (#175 - Lightning Ridge Tigers) – 26 caps
23. Biola Dawa (#211 - Wagga Reddies) – 2 caps
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Captaincy switch explained after 'heartbreaking' blow
Story by Sam Worthington
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp admits she is unsure whether Siokapesi Palu will be a long-term captain after making a surprise leadership switch for Saturday's Test against Ireland.
Brumbies skipper Palu has replaced Michaela Leonard as skipper despite the Force lock being retained in the starting lineup.
The Wallabies have also regularly changed captains over the last two seasons.
Watch the Wallaroos vs Ireland Test match, streaming ad free, live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport
https://twitter.com/StanSportRugby/s...rc=twsrc%5Etfw
"Mac (Leonard) is still very much tour captain for us, but we're trying to increase our depth of leadership, so we saw this as an opportunity to give Siokapesi Palu a chance to start as captain," Yapp said.
"She's been captain for us before when Mac's left the field, so she'll get the opportunity to start and see how she develops as a leader."
Yapp added that the Ireland Test was a "one off" to see how Palu performs in the role.
Australia are also playing Wales before travelling to South Africa for the new WXV 2 tournament.
The Wallaroos are without Brianna Hoy after the Waratahs prop suffered an ACL injury at training on Tuesday.
Hoy will return home to undergo surgery with a replacement player yet to be confirmed.
https://omny.fm/shows/rugby-world-cu...st&style=Cover
"It is a big blow but it's just a big blow for her as a person as well," Yapp said.
"She's an extremely popular member of the squad as well. She's kind, caring, professional in everything she does, so it's always really heartbreaking when that happens to a player."
Yapp has also named three uncapped players on her bench for the Test at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium with Force duo Alapeta Ngauamo, and Lucy Dinnen and former Rebels forward Tiarah Minns in line to make their debuts.
Prop Ngauamo's first selection is a story of perseverance at 36-years-old.
"Alapeta, she's been performing really well across at the Force," Yapp said.
"I think with the props, the older you get, the better you get, they say. She comes in, she's been working really hard and just brings a really good attitude with her as well.
https://twitter.com/StanSportRugby/s...rc=twsrc%5Etfw
"And she's super willing to learn still, even at the age she is.
"She definitely deserves the opportunity to be in the squad."
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
LIVE: Wallaroos begin pre-WXV tour with Ireland clash
Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 7:27 PM
Lachlan Grey and Nathan Williamson
The Wallaroos will open their European tour as they face Ireland in Belfast.
It's the first time outside of a World Cup the two teams will play each other and the first time they have matched up since 2017.
Catch the Wallaroos take on Ireland live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named a revamped side, with Siokapesi Palu the new captain to go with three debutants on the bench.
As for Ireland, they are preparing for their first appearance in WXV 1 later in the month.
Sevens star Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe returns to the side as they commence the 150th year of Irish Rugby celebrations.
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM 9:30 WST IN THE LIVE BLOG BELOW OR THE MATCH CENTRE
WALLAROOS v IRELAND TEAMS
WALLAROOS (15-1): Lori Cramer, Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Cecilia Smith, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Natalie Wright, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Leilani Nathan, Siokapesi Palu (c), Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Eva Karpani, Ashley Marsters, Bridie O'Gorman
Replacements: Tiarna Molloy, Alapeta Ngauamo, Lydia Kavoa, Tiarah Minns, Lucy Dinnen, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Biola Dawa
IRELAND (15-1): Eimear Considine; Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Aoife Dalton, Enya Breen, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe; Dannah O'Brien, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Brittany Hogan, Edel McMahon (c), Aoife Wafer, Ruth Campbell, Dorothy Wall, Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Niamh O'Dowd
Replacements: Clíodhna Moloney, Siobhán McCarthy, Christy Haney, Fiona Tuite, Erin King, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins, Stacey Flood
Referee: Clara Munarini (Italy)
AR: Maria Heitor (Portugal)
AR: Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
HOW TO WATCH WALLAROOS v IRELAND
The Wallaroos' clash with Ireland will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 9:20 pm with kickoff expected at 9:30 pm.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Ireland outclass Wallaroos in pre-WXV tour opener
Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 10:55 PM
Lachlan Grey and Nathan Williamson
Ireland have proved their class with a strong 36-10 victory over the Wallaroos in Belfast.
The Irish showed the form that got them into WXV 1 as they crossed for six tries in the victory.
Maya Stewart got Australia on the board early before the clinical Irish took advantage of their mistakes to run away with the match.
Player of the match Aoife Wafer was the main destroyer as the flanker crossed for a double in their first clash outside of a World Cup.
Continues- https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallar...-watch-2024914
Five things we learnt from Wallaroos - Ireland
Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 11:50 PM
Lachlan Grey
The Wallaroos' end of year tour opened with a 36-10 humbling at the hands of Ireland in Belfast.
Returning winger Maya Stewart bagged a brace but there were few highlights aside as the Aoife Wafer-led Irish ran rampant with five tries to two on home soil.
Here's what we learnt:
1. Aussies their own worst enemies
The fifth-ranked Wallaroos made ninth-ranked Ireland look like world beaters in Belfast.
Poor attacking kicks, repeated handling errors, a wayward line out and sluggish ruck defence plagued the Australians all afternoon with the Irish always outmaneuvering and one step ahead.
Ireland playmaker Dannah O'Brien outkicked her Aussie rivals and was key to the hosts' victory, as were star flanker Aoife Wafer and their sevens contingent, but there's no doubt this was a Wallaroos side far from polished and far from their best.
Skipper Pesi Palu admitted as much post-game, identifying their attacking clear-out and line-out set piece as areas to work on while Jo Yapp branded their energy as "disappointing".
In the few moments it clicked in attack, Australia found joy out wide - but those moments were few and far between.
2. Marvelous Maya
Let's touch on those few moments and the player that brought them to life - Maya Stewart.
In her return from injury, Stewart scored both of Australia's tries and it was her point of difference - sheer pace - that made it possible.
Her match-up with Aimee-Lee Murphy Crowe was worth the price of admission as the flyers went toe-to-toe and on paper, you'd have to say Stewart shaded the Irish sevens legend.
Props also to front-row duo Bridie O'Gorman and Eva Karpani who produced mammoth shifts while Faitala Moleka showed glimpses of her potential in the starting flyhalf role.
3. Welcome to the Wallaroos family
It'd be remiss not to remind readers of the latest trio to debut for Australia - Lucy Dinnen, Alapeta Ngauamo and Tiarnah Minns.
All three players have incredible stories; from Dinnen's 10-year journey to Ngauamo's late blooming and Minns' injury battles.
All three held their own on the paddock - Ngauamo fronted up at scrum time, Dinnen was her typically industrious self on the flank and Minns' late cameo showcased her strong running game.
Now, all three have a special place in Australian rugby history.
4. Wafer, Sevens transfers shine
Here's a name to remember - Aoife Wafer.
The two-try Irish flanker was like an emerald rash all over the Aussies, pilfering at will and mastering the art of seagulling out wide. One to watch in next year's World Cup.
And while sevens star Murphy Crowe was well handled by Stewart, Ireland's other short-form specialists added the firepower Australia can only dream of calling upon.
Olympians Eve Higgins and Stacey Flood turned the game for Ireland from the pine with Higgins' carrying setting up Aoife Wafer's second try and Flood's clever kicking keeping the Australians pinned down back.
Their inclusion alongside Murphy Crowe sits in contrast to the Australian sevens program with no current women's squad members selected in the touring Wallaroos.
5. Wash it, go again for Wales
Saturday's loss will give coach Jo Yapp plenty to think about.
"On the whole, we were a bit disappointed with our energy out there and we're excited to bounce back next week," Yapp told media post-game.
"These two games (against Ireland and Wales) are a good opportunity to see what we've got … we play Wales again in WXV so next week's a really big game."
A new halves combination of Nat Wright and Faitala Moleka plus three debutants showed the Wallaroos boss is happy to tinker ahead of a stacked WXV2 campaign leading into 2025's World Cup tilt.
With limited preparations, Yapp will likely tinker with her side again to face the Welsh next week - and why not? You'd rather see it now than in tournament play.
Just don't expect the Welsh to be easy beats. Last year's WXV clash was a thriller and the Welsh have been honing their skills with New Zealand on the training paddock.
They'll be ready and raring.
'Frustrating': Wallaroos coach Yapp laments sloppy Irish defeat
Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 4:33 AM
Nathan Williamson
Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp was left frustrated at their discipline and lack of game control after a disappointing 36-10 defeat to Ireland.
The Irish controlled the majority of the match and powered their way home to defy their ninth ranking and show the form that got them into WXV 1.
Australian trailed 12-5 leading into the break before a sloppy mistake allowed Ireland to strike, eventually running out with the win thanks in part to Sevens stars Stacey Flood and Eve Higgins off the bench.
"Our discipline let us down early on and we didn't get an easy entry into their half and we just couldn't seem to get out of ours," Yapp said on the post-match coverage.
"A lot for us to work on around that breakdown area and a few other bits, but on the whole just a little bit frustrating.
"It's our first hitout. We had new combinations and caps out there so it was good to see them get the chance."
The Wallaroos made several changes leading into the game, with Natalie Wright and Faitala Moleka enjoying a mixed afternoon as the new halves partnership.
Versatile forward Ashley Marsters slotted in at hooker and scrummaged well, although struggled at lineout.
"We had three new debutants today and a new nine and ten so going into a World Cup, it's really important that we build that depth," Yapp added.
"But on the whole, We're just disappointed with our energy out there and we need to bounce back for next week."
The Wallaroos will head to Newport as they prepare for back-to-back matches against Wales.
"These games are a good opportunity to see what we've got and playing Wales in Wales, it's a big game for us," Yapp added.
Wales v Australia- 1:50am 21 September 2024
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
My observations-
This was clearly an experiment prior to hitting the important WXV2 fixtures and, in the absence of more appropriate fixtures, was the opportunity for Coach Yapp to try out alternate combinations. You don't leave the 52 Caps of Morgan and McKenzie on the Bench otherwise and their introduction in the second half saw an immediate change. Unfortunately the damage was already done and in a higher stakes match the change would/should have been made at Half Time (or at selection...).
Karpani is lining up very much as a Tupou type "problem". At her best she arguably the Wallaroos best player, but she doesn't have the fitness to go long enough and so, if she doesn't hit every opportunity the time passes without result and she is back on the bench.
Unfortunately, her back up is the highly erratic O'Gorman. Every time the ball comes near her I cringe and fully expect a knock on or ruck penalty.
She is "ok" at scrum time and has the ability, as per this match, to play both sides, but really should be Bench depth, not big minutes.
If Brianna Hoy is available next weekend she needs an 80 minute blast in the spirit of the "trialing" against Ireland.
From Australia A v Samoa I can see the combination of Sammy Wood and Carys Dallinger clicking and seriously putting heat on Natalie Wright and Faitala Moleka. Whether they can be brought in at this late stage is possibly unlikely, but they are a more similar type of player pairing than Wood-McKenzie, Wright-McKenzie etc and I believe would be a strong Bench combo.
When McKenzie came on Moleka moved to #15 and was clearly a better option than Cramer. How Cramer has conned her way to now 24 Caps is totally beyond me. Ordinary kicking, ordinary passing under pressure, flimsy tackling (that is generous) and rarely (understandably given her lack of weight) hits a ruck in front of her.
It is a problem for the Wallaroos that they have Cramer (for whatever reason) and three genuine stars in Miller, Friedrichs and Stewart, but they are all the speed/light-weight model and when they get caught out wide too often the heart does not overcome the opposition mass. With a light #13 in Friedrichs it would seem at least one of the Wings needs to have some mass. It is why Wong was no longer sustainable in the modern game, she was like a Terrier, but that doesn't help against Cattle Dogs.
At least one answer was sitting in the stands in Caitlyn Halse who, if fit, must be starting at #15 next week.
While admittedly another "flyweight", eyes will also be watching Waiaria Ellis starting against Samoa in #15.
For the Force contingent, Leonard as ever in the top five players.
I think she is currently my favourite Force player from Men and Women.
Ngauamo and Dinnen both performed very well on debut and would I'd suggest possibly shaded their starting alternates.
A remarkable season particularly for Dinnen given she came off the Bench for the first three SRW Rounds, with a late selection to start in Round 4 before seeing out the season in #6.
The experience of Pomare late in the match was missed as well and will likely be fronting for Wales.
There was some post match talk of "debut players" but, apart from a couple of throw in issues for an otherwise strong Molloy, the whole Bench performed well, including third Debutante Minns. The horse had already bolted before these girls came on the pitch.
Others that will have a keen eye on them for Australia A will Liz Patu and Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke to strengthen the Front Row depth.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Yes I thought the kicking game was woeful and starting half back pretty poor. Both wingers are good.
Don’t understand how Ireland manage to include a heap of their sevens players but we can’t. Not sure if just arrogance or don’t want to pay them extra or what it is but Maddison Levi at 13 or wing, caslick at 10 etc would be good to see
11. Bienne Terita
14. Maddison Levi
15. Charlotte Caslick
22.Teagan Levi
Couple of others injured I'd be throwing in the mix too.
While Caslick would be normally a 9 or 10, I think established combinations probably need to be respected there and give her the wide open spaces and a voice from the back, supported by two Wings that all know each other, would be awesome.
Unfortunately Smale has jumped to NRLW.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Wallaroos ready to learn valuable Irish lessons ahead of WXV prelude
Wed, Sep 18, 2024, 7:58 AM
Nathan Williamson
Wallaroos winger Maya Stewart believes last week's defeat to Ireland will set them up ideally for the next 12 months as they get a crash course in Northern Hemisphere Rugby.
The Wallaroos were outclassed by the WXV 1 bound Irish 36-10 in Belfast after an ill-disciplined performance.
They struggled at lineout time, losing five, whilst struggling for territory in the first half running into the wind.
“They were honestly just so physical in the collision and around the breakdown," Stewart admitted to reporters.
“The second half when we had the wind with us, they were tactical and used the stoppages to their advantages and were quite clever
“...We’re playing over this side of the world and we’re not as familiar with that aspect of the game. We’re used to playing the footy quickly and that transition attack, being on the front foot so they were clever.
“This tour is all about emulating the World Cup and we’re onto our second game so it’s all learnings we’ll take into WXV.”
Stewart was tasked with shutting down Irish Sevens star Amee Leigh Murphy-Crowe and did it with style as she crossed for a double.
“It does put confidence in your stride," she said on limiting Murphy-Crowe.
“I tried to take the opportunities I got but she was class. It helped having G-Fred (Georgina Friedrichs) inside me, who is one of the best centres in the world so having that confidence and using that connection helped so much.
The squad have arrived in Wales ahead of back-to-back games against the Welsh, with Saturday's morning (AEST) Test serving as a preview for the WXV opener a week later.
“They’re similar to us but they’re very dominant in the forwards and they’ve got a few electric backs," Stewart notes.
“We like the arm wrestling with them and coming out on top last time, it’s exciting knowing we get to play them.
“We’re going out there to give them hell but we’ll keep a few things in the arsenal for the following week.”
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.