Australian rugby star Sharni Williams has made an impassioned plea for Australian sports fans to back the Wallaroos after they were outclassed by England in the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday.
The Wallaroos were beaten 41-5 despite a brave defensive effort in heavy rain against an England team that simply overwhelmed the Australians.
England racked up a 29th straight win and their professional players were always raging favourites against the amateurs of Australia. Williams, a paid member of the Australian Sevens, is one of only two professionally contracted players in the Australian team.
World Cup winner Tim Horan put Rugby Australia on notice to ensure they can build a program that supports professional players and also is competitive. Horan said the ambition needed to be a semifinal appearance in three years time and then a team capable of p[laying in a final when Australia hosts the tournament in 2029.
That will mean some catching up for the Aussies on the pro programs of England and New Zealand in particular.
Although Australia’s Emily Chancellor scored the try of the game – finishing off a superb piece of running rugby to cross just before halftime to make it 19-5, England crossed for seven tries including three to the player of the match – No.7 Marlie Packer.
Sarah Hunter, the England skipper, became the most capped player man or woman for the nation. Her 138 caps is more than the Australian pack have between them – a clear guide to the differences in experience and opportunities present to players from the rival countries.
Australia started the tournament with a loss to New Zealand, whose players are also well compensated compered to the Aussies – but made the knockouts with wins over Wales and Scotland.
England were far from perfect – the conditions made that unlikely anyway – but are favoured to advance past either Canada or the USA in the semis with a potential final against New Zealand or France to follow.
“The Wallaroos have plenty to be proud about to make it to the quarterfinal,” said Allana Ferguson on Stan Sport. “But England are absolutely a class above. Australia never wavered. They tried their absolute best.”
There are certainly promising signs for the future, but Rugby Australia’s timeline for injecting funds into the women’s game might come too late for some.
Williams, 34, wouldn’t rule out coming back for another shot.
“We’re obviously pretty gutted – we love to win,” said Williams. “We knew that England were going to come out firing and that’s what they did in that first half. We should be really proud of our efforts. But obviously couldn’t hold on for 80 minutes.
“We came into this as the underdogs and we’re still underdogs within rugby. Let’s just hope that we can find some sponsors out there, find a bit of money and reward these girls for what they’re doing.
“We’re out there sacrificing in our bodies, putting bodies on the line for each other, but mainly for Australia. We love representing our country and sport is massive in Australia. So let’s get around it.”
Williams thanked fans for supporting the team but added: “It doesn’t stop here though right? We really need everyone around Australia to continue to support the Wallaroos – not just at World Cups events but at Super W as well. It’s really important.”
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