The Wallaroos have warmed up for their Pacific Four Series opener against the Black Ferns by securing an encouraging 22-5 victory over Fiji in Sydney.
By doing so, Jay Tegonning’s women gave Shannon Parry the perfect send-off to finish her illustrious career in style.
The 33-year-old announced earlier in the week she would hang up her boots after Saturday’s Test.
On Saturday evening, after playing the entire match, the Olympic gold medallist was carried off the field by her teammates.
Maya Stewart scored a stunning first-half try against Fijiana at Allianz Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Sydney. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
“Plenty of emotions, it’s been a long ride for the last 13 years,” said Parry, the four-time World Cup Wallaroo.
“The squad’s in really good shape and looking forward to being a spectator now on the sidelines.
“It’s been a really good moment to finish my career on home soil. It’s always been something that I wanted to do, and the silver-lining is getting the ‘W’ as well.
“For me, the timing was right and the body’s not where it was 10 years ago. I’m really happy with the decision I’ve made and I’ve loved every minute out there. I wasn’t sure I was going to last 80, but just managed to pull through.
“It’s all about the team moving forward now. They’ve started off their 2023 campaign on a positive note.”
Shannon Parry finished her career as a winner after the Wallaroos beat Fiji at Allianz Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Sydney. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
In an open and entertaining match, the Wallaroos scored a four tries to one victory over Fiji.
The Wallaroos’ back-row was the difference, with Parry, Ashley Marsters and Grace Hamilton a power of strength and durability.
Ashley Marsters – the former hooker turned back-rower – was at the heart of everything the Wallaroos did and was phenomenal in attack, too.
Out wide winger Maya Stewart showed off her pace and finishing ability, scoring a stunning first-half try by speeding down the eastern touchline to score.
Playmaker Carys Dallinger also showed off her skill-set and durability in the front-line, with her strong kicking game coming to the fore on her Test debut.
Her halves partner Layne Morgan meanwhile controlled the tempo of the match and played a strong hand for the opening try to the impressive Cecilia Smith.
A fitter Eva Karpani also dominated up front in the vital tight-head position.
While Fiji, whose Super W side took out the competition by beating Parry’s Queensland in Townsville earlier this month, the Wallaroos were in control for much of the match.
The Wallaroos started fantastically, with Karpani showing her strength to get the home side well on the front foot. It led to Morgan bouncing out at halfback before a smart cut out pass in front of Smith saw the inside centre score after just five minutes.
It took until the 19th minute for Stewart to score Australia’s second, as the winger showed off her speed by finishing well and giving the home side a 10-nil lead at half-time.
Stewart’s second in the moments after half-time saw the Wallaroos grab hold off the ascendency.
While Fijiana got one back midway through the second half through Bitila Tawake, their second half comeback was short lived as Wallaroos winger Ivania Wong scored one herself.
The victory was important for their momentum ahead of next month’s Pacific Four series opener against the world champions in Brisbane on Thursday, June 29.
The Wallaroos will then head to Ottawa to take on the USA and Canada in July.
JC
Roar Rookie
A fitting game to go out on for Parry — what a career! Congrats to both teams for a fantastic combative and exciting Test match, and cheers to the organisers and fans for a terrific atmosphere. :happy:
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Agree the Fiji fans just make it a great night. They are so enthusiastic from the first to last whistle. The other thing I noticed the scrums are how we want scrums to be , no multiple resets or penalties.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Wasn’t it great at the ground! Whoever put together this double header did a great job, with the Fijian supporters in particular turning up early for the women’s match. One thing I loved about the game was that both teams were more likely to back their handling skills and run it through the hands looking for the break on a knock on advantage, meaning fewer scrums. Made for less stoppage and more running rugby than the average men’s test.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
It was a terrific game. It always adds to be playing a Fijian team the crowd is loud and enthusiastic. Thought the Wallaroos played exceptionally well for 1 week prep & only 2 of the backline were in last years starting QF against England.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Thanks Shannon, Wallaroos & Reds will miss you greatly. Take note Davey Warner, that's how you do it.
SDRedsFan
Roar Rookie
Congratulations on a stellar career Shannon. Ash Marsters was huge. Well played ladies.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
A great game. The girls really have improved and they are looking good. Masters and Dillinger were great as was Smith and Morgan. Well done Parry and thanks for your service over the years. Wallaroos are in a better place because of you.