1
‘We have nothing to lose’: Wallaroos dream of shock Black Ferns upset
By AAP
Desiree Miller scored a try for every year she's played rugby in the Wallaroos' drought-busting defeat of Fiji.
A former gymnast, swimmer and dancer, the 22-year-old also played hockey, soccer, basketball and tennis before kicking a footy in the park with her brother in 2020 changed everything.
The NSW Waratahs winger is a quick learner, a hat-trick in a winning Super Rugby Women's final in April just the entree to her record-equalling four-try haul in Sydney on Saturday.
"Ask me three years ago if I'd be here, scoring four tries for my country, absolutely not," Miller told AAP ahead of Australia's Test against New Zealand in Brisbane on Sunday.
"I was in (COVID-19) lockdown, playing soccer and loved it, but it was time for a change."
All four of Miller's tries in a 64-5 defeat of Fiji - the side's first in four Tests under new coach Jo Yapp - required power, speed and a touch of class.
"I played so much sport growing up and the rugby I've been able to pick up from all those disciplines," she said.
"With the gymnastics background people have asked, 'When are you going to backflip (after scoring a try)?'
"Not yet, not yet ... I just don't want to hit anyone. Maybe if I get a runaway try, that'd be cool. But I've got to get there first."
That would be handy at Ballymore against the Black Ferns, who have won all of their 25 clashes - most of them by hefty margins - dating back to their first encounter in 1994.
New Zealand beat Yapp's side 67-19 in May, Australia's total their highest in a damning reflection of their trans-Tasman neighbour's dominance.
"We have nothing to lose and we know a win is coming," Miller insists.
"Each time we get better and pick apart more and identify more opportunities."
Rugby Australia has committed to boosting the professionalism of the program ahead of Australia hosting the 2029 World Cup.
And Miller wants to be front and centre of that movement, despite the inevitable attraction of the NRLW.
"None directly," she said when asked if any clubs from the rival code had come calling.
"I love rugby and love the people I've met through it and the friendships. I love league, but rugby's for me.
"Since joining the program last year I've already seen massive improvements.
"It's a bigger picture than just us; it's for the next generation, keeping the Wallaroos name alive for generations."
The below has been added to the AAP article by RugbyPass.
Wallaroos team to play Black Ferns
1. Brianna Hoy
2. Tania Naden
3. Eva Karpani
4. Kaitlan Leaney
5. Michaela Leonard (c)
6. Atasi Lafai
7. Ashley Marsters
8. Piper Duck
9. Layne Morgan
10. Arabella McKenzie
11. Desiree Miller
12. Cecilia Smith
13. Geeorgina Fredrichs
14. Biola Dawa
15. Lori Cramer
Replacements
16. Tiarna Molloy
17. Allana Sikimeti
18. Bridie O'Gorman
19. Leilani Nathan
20. Siokapesi Palu
21. Natalie Wright
22. Trilleen Pomare
23. Faitala Moleka*
*Denotes debutant
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
My ‘fantasy’ team V Ireland,
Including options from ABXV if needed, as V Mun better V Ireland better prep than England.
The most important aspect V Ireland is AB need ALL their loosies AND 'loosie capable locks' on ALL match [except IF(?) any tiring ie the aging & slowing eg Cane]. As follows,
{starting} bench (3rd choice)
1 {De Groot} / Tu’ungafasi (Williams)
2 { anyone that can throw!! }/ Aumua (Brodie McAlister)
Ryan! coach lineouts & Aumua to throw!
3 {Lomax}/ Tosi (Newell )
Tosi immense strength V England
4,5 Locks { P.Tuipulotu, S.Barrett }, Vaa’i, Darry
( Isaia Walker-Leawere)
Vaa’i off V Eng. Assumed due to leg injury(?)
6,7,8 Loose forwards { Sititi, A.Savea, Cane } Vaa’i, S.Barrettm, P.Tuipulotu back up (Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi )
9 {Roigard } Ratima ( TJ )
10 {D.McK} Perofeta ( Plummer)
12 {J.Barrett } ALB ( Q.Tupaea )
13 {Proctor} Ioane ( AJ Lam )
Ioane (off V England ) but Irish experience (NO not Sexton!)
14 { Tele’a} Reece (bkup W.Jordan )
11 {C.Clarke} Narawa (K.Naholo)
15 {W.Jordan} Love (Stevenson)
Go to commentsI guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to comments