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The other Aussie team looking to overturn a truly abysmal record against New Zealand
By Online Editors
If you thought the Wallabies do it tough against New Zealand, spare a thought for the Wallaroos.
The Australian women's rugby side have never beaten NZ and will take a 0-16 record into Saturday's clash against their arch-rival at Optus Stadium.
The match will be played before the Wallabies do battle with the All Blacks at the same venue and the Wallaroos are desperate to break their duck.
Despite the horror record, there is hope.
With more funds being put into women's rugby in Australia and a bigger focus on giving them more Tests, the Wallaroos are on the improve.
The current world No.7s know they will start as rank underdogs against NZ, who have won five of the past six women's World Cups.
But the Wallaroos gained vital confidence from their recent 2-0 series win over Japan, with the cohesion built there giving them the belief they are better placed to finally topple the powerful Black Ferns.
"They have always been dominant. It's kind of in their blood," Wallaroos skipper Grace Hamilton said.
"They spend a lot of time together. We've now had that opportunity to spend time together (during that recent series against Japan). This is the best preparation we've ever had.
"I think we've built that belief now. You put yourself in fearful situations to build that belief, that challenging environment.
"We're excited for the challenge. I believe in these girls."
Watch:
Wallaby coach Michael Cheika and skipper Michael Hooper after win over Los Pumas
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Even with absences we still had the cattle to make the playoffs. As it was, we nearly stumbled our way into the top 8. Which shows just how easy it was to get there. And still we failed. As for Razor, there are many instances of him patching up the Crusaders roster. Numerous. Several players Id never heard of. Also, using AB legend John Afoa was a classic.
But, some of the games we were losing were from schoolboy errors, or downright confusion. Either the players were really dumb (they weren’t) or they were poorly coached. Given the repetitive nature of errors, brain fades, poor decision making, & loose structures, this all lands with the coaching group.
With only six playoff spots now in SR, & Aussie franchises now consolidated to four, 2025 looks like a tight one. We'll have to tough it out under Penney & hope for the best.
Go to commentsAgree we need a 10, 12, 13 refresh. ASAP. Well, next season now lol. Reiko should be put back on the wing. He'll be an absolute menace there. Imagine 11 Reiko 14 Clarke 15 Jordan as the backfield unit.
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