Whilst the Kiwi game did not start according to the New Zealand script, the second half went to script with the Kiwis taking out the game comfortably. The cliché ‘a game of two halves’ is an understatement.
The irritating issue for the Wallaroos, as true as it maybe, is they are probably getting sick of the words ‘gallant’ and ‘competitive’ after a loss.
It does not help much but the first 30 or so minutes was outstanding, with some of the best rugby by any Australian team this season. For the Wallaroos, while they can ponder the what ifs and if onlys, at the end of the day you can only play the hand you have been given. Then brush yourself off and plan for the next game.
Before touching on the game against Scotland, a couple of completely unrelated World Cup takeaways.
Women’s rugby is quite different to the men’s game, possession is vital. While the men’s game can often involve a lot of kicking and playing without the ball, in the women’s game possession is king (or queen). As was seen in the Australia-New Zealand game, in the first half the Wallaroos kept possession and got points. When possession turned to the Kiwis they got the scores.
The Wallaroo winger Bienne Terita can play a bit, to run through Portia Woodman twice is some effort. No surprise some of the best players on both sides were the sevens pros – Stacey Fluhler, Portia Woodman, Ruby Tui, Sarah Hirini, Bienne Terita and Sharni Williams.
Wallaroos half Iliseva Batibasaga at 37 years old is the oldest player at the World Cup.
The Northern Hemisphere kickers get a lot more distance than their Southern Hemisphere counterparts.
As the Wallaroos may not have the fitness of the more professional teams, the use and timing of the bench is critical. Bench changes need to be timed to ensure there is no drop off in effort and intensity.
While expected it was still surprising the amount of media coverage and content (MSM and social media) from the Northern Hemisphere on the World Cup.
The next stop is Whangarei
For a bit of context on Scotland and the Wallaroos, forget the World Cup standings. Both have lost their last seven matches. Scotland lost all five of this season’s Six Nations matches and recently lost to the USA and Wales on the weekend.
For the Wallaroos, since their last win against Fijiana in May, they lost to Japan, lost four times to New Zealand and once each to Canada and the USA. A bit of pressure on both teams for a win.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Scotland are a pretty unknown opposition for the Wallaroos. While Australia has beaten Scotland in their two previous matches there is no recent form guide.
The last game was at the 2002 World Cup in Barcelona where the Wallaroos won 30-0. Also the Wallaroos have not played a Northern Hemisphere team since the last World Cup in 2017 when they got a win over Ireland in Belfast.
Despite the final scoreline against New Zealand, assuming there are no injuries, it would be difficult to make too many changes to the starting Wallaroos line-up. Special mention must be made of the forwards who generally matched up to the Kiwis in the set piece. The Wallaroos won nine of 11 scrums and seven of eight lineouts.
It is probably no coincidence the lineout functioned well with Sera Naiqama back in the side. That was one of her real strengths playing for the Tahs this year.
The scrum penalty in the 50th minute on a Kiwi feed was also a highlight. Unfortunately, it was soon followed by two yellow cards.
The tackle efficiency was not too bad at 84 per cent – actually, pretty good, considering how much pressure they were under in the second half. Discipline is a bit of an issue for the Wallaroos, with 12 penalties conceded and two yellow cards.
Scotland will be up for the game after going down to Wales after full-time to a penalty goal. In reality Wales did play the better over the 80 minutes but they give away a lot of penalties.
Scotland are meant to have some real stars in their backline to keep an eye on, including winger Rhona Lloyd, centre Emma Orr and fullback Chloe Rollie. So, the defence of Williams and Georgina Friedrichs will be tested but they are more than up to it. Williams in particular had a terrific game and seems to be the answer to 12.
The ruck should be exciting with 50-plus cap Jade Konkel-Roberts a standout at No.8 up against workhorse Grace Hamilton and jackal Emily Chancellor. That will be an interesting battle.
Saturday’s match is going to be a blockbuster and critical for both teams to get to the quarter-finals and for one team to break a losing streak.
Here’s to the Wallaroos getting a win over the Scots.
Simoc
Roar Rookie
While I don't know the names Australia do have strike force in the wings particularly on one side. The No 10 wasn't up to the task last weekend and she really has to be quicker in distribution than last week for us to match the opposition. She is quite capable but needs someone to tell her.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
A pretty reasonable kicking mentor to have
Tim J
Roar Rookie
It certainly looks to be a stronger side Muzzo, hopefully they gel quickly.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Some very good inclusions for this weekends game Tim. Some returns from injury, as the match day 23 for our Wahine toa, looks impressive
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Actually Hugh, this is possibly the reason as to why Dan Carter has been assisting with our Wahine toa & hopefully it’ll show out.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
That's interesting it maybe the case. I just noticed off the tee and out of the hand the NH kickers had a lot better distance. It make sense if you learn earlier and spend more time training and practicing you get better.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Tell that to the commentary team that said it whilst being broadcast globally! Like the Stan network
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
The kicking one is an interesting one. First Womens WC i watched was soccer and I thought it strange how about 15 players would be by the half way within 15m x 15m box and watch a goalie or defender try get it there. I thought that was because girls must not be able to kick very far which surprised me. I then saw England, USA and other professional teams play like the mens, and give me a run for my money on distance and destination. I then realized that you often need to be taught to kick a ball and alot of the lesser team’s players hadn’t had lessons. I think that is why the NH teams can kick more because they are often tied to professional mens clubs and share things. The welsh 10 will be a challange for Oz for this reason as she has good distance from the tee and hand. Now the 6 Nations teams are professional expect them to bulk up and kick more. Like England the maul Queens
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
it sums up how much effort the tv companies are putting into the game. A little reserach on wiki or even checking the tv schedule and would know it was rubbish. There is no RC for women and the they are deemed unworthy by their former 3n partners so only have Africa and WC.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
Where does the 9 years thing come from. It is a load of rubbish. SA played games before the world cup this year. They played France and Wales in 2021 along with 2 games v Kenya. They played 3 games in 2019 against Scotland and Spain plus 3 in the African comp games. You then have the BaaBaa game also in 2021 which most people should remember was going to be a double header. They haven't played at the WC in 9 years because they choose not to go to the 2017 rugby because they played no games from 2015 - 2017 for their own reasons and so could not qualify.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I have my money on the OZ women, and SA against Fiji in a great game.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Yep, a couple of wins, get into the QFs, who knows what can happen.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Really hope they jag a win but the Scots are in the same position, so a lot of passion in the game. Also looking forward to the Fijiana v Boks
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Rip in Ladies and don't leave the ground wondering. (Wouldn't be good if both test teams lost to the Jocks)
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Another great article Hugh, you have made the game even more enticing to watch. RA should see that the 15 aside game is there for the women to become a real powerhouse, it is extremely tough for amateurs to compete against professional teams.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Thats not great - just checked they played 4 Tests in Nov, 2 Tests v Japan in July, 2 Tests v Spain in Auh
Lara
Guest
I like what I see to date. These girls are playing some great rugby n the coaching staff are doing a great job. If they can secure wins over Scotland n Wales, they could be a right pain in the arse later on in the tournament.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Well according to the commentators on the day Hugh, the Bok women have had no international games for 9 years. Only going on what was said on a TV outlet that would’ve been broadcast globally!
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Fingers crossed the Wallaroos get the win over the Scots (who are my 2nd team). I think England were not switched on in the first half & thought they could go through the motions against Fijiana, which is always a mistake. South Africa played a number of Tests in Nov against the NH teams & if I remember correctly I think France beat them pretty easily. So France probably a little over confident. Also Sth Africa had a couple of games against Japan in the lead up to the World Cup. So am looking forward to the Fijiana v Springbok game.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Agree good seeing rugby being played with ball in hand rather than kicking. You can't help but think having Sharni Williams in the back line just gave the backline confidence. There will be some cracking games this weekend, even interested in the Fiji v Sth Africa game