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Wallaroos to set next generation of talent loose against Fiji
By AAP
The Wallaroos are undergoing a generational renewal as the side prepares to take on Fiji in Sydney.
As Olympic champion and Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry readies for her swan song, a host of rugby players are just starting their international journey.
Brumbies youngster Faitala Moleka will be one of four players making their debut for Australia in Saturday's Test at Allianz Stadium.
The fullback, who only began playing Super Rugby this season, said the call-up for the national team was beyond her wildest dreams.
"It's a blessing just to be given this opportunity to put on this green and gold jersey. It means a lot to me," Moleka said.
"Not just to me as but, to my family as well, and the sacrifices they've made to get me here.
"It's a village is what brings me up and makes me who I am, so big shout out to my family."
And the way the 18-year-old broke the news to those closest to her even had a youthful flavour.
"First person I called? I didn't really call anyone at first," Moleka said.
"I just screenshotted my phone and sent it to my family chat and they were like, 'woo!'"
Wallaroos assistant coach Sione Fukofuka said the future of women's rugby was bright judging from the talent coming through Super Rugby.
"The confidence that the young group has brought is really a testament to some of our development pathways," he said.
The Wallaroos will come up against a Fijiana side that won the Super Rugby Women's competition earlier this month.
"Pretty excited with our younger players, that they'll come in with a little bit of endeavour and bravery to play," Fukofuka said.
"And then our senior players will hold us nice and tight with our discipline and their ability to stay in structures."
Parry, who made history by leading the Australian rugby sevens side to a the inaugural gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will hand the captaincy baton to 22-year-old Piper Duck after she retires.
Duck will make history being the team's youngest leader.
"Piper's fantastic in terms of what she brings to the team as a player, but her maturity off the field is something that once you speak to her, it really connect to," Fukofuka said.
"The future of rugby is bright.
"It speaks to the fact that the next generation is ready to take over.
"Shannon's had a fantastic influence but now it's time for the generation of Piper and so on to lead us forward."
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Latest Comments
Larry Brown was 63 when he won the NBA, and Phil Jackson was 64.
I guess my general feeling in rugby is that most coaches seem to decline quite a bit when they hit 60, and to be coaching at the top level when you’re 65 or older is extremely rare. Maybe in american sports people have another 5 years, but that doesn’t seem like a massive difference.
Either way, I’m going to stick with my verdict that appointing Les Kiss at age 60 would be ok as a short term deal - but appointing him at 63 and expecting him to last 4 years would be foolish.
Go to commentsWe come off a loss and a big one to Moana Pasifika and 2 years in a row losing to the Drua. The motivation to reverse that is huge. This competition has been unpredictable. I believe the return of inform players like Antonio Shalfoon , Christian Lio-Willie will make a huge difference.Tom Christie, who played so well in his 2 starts and Corrie Kellow will be raring to go. We missed David Havili, the form second five and captain last week, he thankfully will be back soon. But Codie Taylor is a great choice to captain in the mean time in David’s absence.
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