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Wallaroos coach confident in rookie wing as they look to bank a vital World Cup win
By AAP
Coach Jay Tregonning doesn't see rookie Maya Stewart as a selection gamble as the Wallaroos look to bank a vital World Cup win over Scotland in Whangarei on Saturday.
The Australians are looking to bounce back from an opening 41-17 loss to hosts New Zealand and continue their dominance over the Scots.
The countries have met twice previously at the World Cup with the Wallaroos winning both matches.
Scotland also suffered defeat in their first pool game, falling 18-15 to Wales.
They have kept a largely settled side as has Tregonning, with prop Eva Karpani and fullback Lori Cramer the new faces in the Australian line-up along with winger Stewart, who replaces Ivania Wong.
Stewart only resumed training in July after ACL surgery seven months earlier but the coach said the 22-year-old debutantes' form couldn't be ignored.
"Obviously Maya has had a long recovery journey but she was a stand-out player in Super W over the last couple of years," Tregonning told reporters.
"Throughout the last couple of campaigns where she has travelled with us she's shown what an athlete she is and her capabilities.
"The last two weeks in training where she has been in full contact has earnt her a start.
"Those performances in that environment gives us confidence she'll be ready to go."
Stewart said she got "emotional" when she received news of her start, with her family rushing over from Australia to watch her play.
"I definitely shed a few tears with the girls - super excited," the Waratahs flyer said.
"It was just about knuckling down at the start, getting the surgery done quickly and then setting that end goal.
"I've worked really hard and the team have gotten around me ... it's something I've wanted to do for a long time so to achieve it is amazing."
Skipper Shannon Parry said the team had taken plenty from the loss to the Kiwis, particularly after storming to a 17-0 lead before being reeled back in.
"We learnt a lot about our belief and the capability we've got as a squad," Parry said on Friday.
"This week it's about whatever it takes - obviously the World Cup is still alive so for us it's about putting in a full 80 minute performance.
"We're very much prepared for this weekend."
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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