1
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
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Stuart Hogg addresses rumours of rugby return
3
Nigel Owens has final say on URC's most controversial game
4
OTD – Declan Kidney takes step up into Test rugby
5
Latest Comments
I still see nothing in Sotutus play that hes changed his upright running style that failed so many times against decent international defences like the french. Other than that… Iose? Well you have covered his limitations well. If Sititi had been playing the the season… Jacobson? Grace?…Neither shout pick me. So Ardie it is.
Go to commentsThere isn’t one element you mentioned there that every top class or successful team gets up to. The great All blacks sides used to play on the ‘fringes or edge’ but it was essentially saying they were doing something illegal or borderline to gain dominance. The fine margins at the top are minute between the top sides. La Rochelle, the crusaders, Saracens, Toulon etc etc…..have all been accused. Get over it, the comment comes across as salty and naive. Northampton as well as they played to get back into the match were thoroughly beaten and controlled for 60 minutes and Leinster have only themselves to blame for kicking it away and hence losing control of the match and being nearly the architects of their own downfall.
Go to comments