New Zealand v Australia - O' Reilly Cup Game 1 2024
'Theyre going to be wounded': Wallaroos eyeing maiden Black Ferns scalp
Tue, May 21, 2024, 3:45 PM
Nathan Williamson
Wallaroos winger Maya Stewart believes the Black Ferns' loss to Canada proves they are there for the taking as they hunt for their maiden win.
The Canadians wrapped up the Pacific Four series with a 22-19 win over the World Cup champions in Christchurch.
It shows that every game is a Test match and its not just a one-sided game. Were definitely competitive and the Canada game showed that last week," Stewart said on the Kiwis defeat last week.
Theyre going to be wounded, theyre going to be hurt and I think itd be great for us to climb on the back of that Theyve blooded some new players and thats why theyre having a few discipline issues and I think we can capitalise on that. The new girls coming through are electric and exciting but there are points there to push.
The Wallaroos are yet to record a win in 2024 as they deal with the 'teething' issues under new coach Jo Yapp.
However, Stewart remains confident their best is just around the corner.
I think theres just teething issues. Jos (Yapp) come on board and its so refreshing to have a new coach and were still learning under her," she explained.
I think the Canada game was exciting for us. We were in that and the same as the USA game. I think thats what exciting about this week is that its a new game, a new chapter and were able to come out and maybe put all that together for a full 80 which we havent done in the past years.
(The USA loss) was definitely disappointing for us as a group but I think everyones really keen to turn things around
Canada showed last week that New Zealand could be beaten so were definitely up for the challenge.
I think the first half showcased what were about as a team. We have great impact players coming off the bench so if we can utilise them more and play similar to what we were in the first half, I think well run away with it."
On top of a maiden win over the Kiwis is qualification for WXV1, needing a victory to deny the USA a place in the top division.
Regardless of what happens, the Australians are looking to take incremental steps on the road to the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Its massive. We want to be in WXV1, thats exactly where we want to be," Stewart said.
Were a team that can compete in WXV1 and if we dont win were in WXV2 and well compete there as well. Regardless of the outcome of the weekend, were going to come away and be competitive but WXV1 is where we want to be, thats everything so this game is massive.
Were not in a sprint, were running at our own pace and understanding that," back-rower Siokapesi Palu added.
Weve got to be on par with where were at so if part of our team is just a little bit behind, we need to make sure we stay with them and build that cohesion working together.
Its a long year and were three Test matches in so hopefully this is a game where well start to see a shift in intensity facing the Kiwis.
Tue, May 21, 2024, 3:45 PM
Nathan Williamson
Wallaroos winger Maya Stewart believes the Black Ferns' loss to Canada proves they are there for the taking as they hunt for their maiden win.
The Canadians wrapped up the Pacific Four series with a 22-19 win over the World Cup champions in Christchurch.
It shows that every game is a Test match and its not just a one-sided game. Were definitely competitive and the Canada game showed that last week," Stewart said on the Kiwis defeat last week.
Theyre going to be wounded, theyre going to be hurt and I think itd be great for us to climb on the back of that Theyve blooded some new players and thats why theyre having a few discipline issues and I think we can capitalise on that. The new girls coming through are electric and exciting but there are points there to push.
The Wallaroos are yet to record a win in 2024 as they deal with the 'teething' issues under new coach Jo Yapp.
However, Stewart remains confident their best is just around the corner.
I think theres just teething issues. Jos (Yapp) come on board and its so refreshing to have a new coach and were still learning under her," she explained.
I think the Canada game was exciting for us. We were in that and the same as the USA game. I think thats what exciting about this week is that its a new game, a new chapter and were able to come out and maybe put all that together for a full 80 which we havent done in the past years.
(The USA loss) was definitely disappointing for us as a group but I think everyones really keen to turn things around
Canada showed last week that New Zealand could be beaten so were definitely up for the challenge.
I think the first half showcased what were about as a team. We have great impact players coming off the bench so if we can utilise them more and play similar to what we were in the first half, I think well run away with it."
On top of a maiden win over the Kiwis is qualification for WXV1, needing a victory to deny the USA a place in the top division.
Regardless of what happens, the Australians are looking to take incremental steps on the road to the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Its massive. We want to be in WXV1, thats exactly where we want to be," Stewart said.
Were a team that can compete in WXV1 and if we dont win were in WXV2 and well compete there as well. Regardless of the outcome of the weekend, were going to come away and be competitive but WXV1 is where we want to be, thats everything so this game is massive.
Were not in a sprint, were running at our own pace and understanding that," back-rower Siokapesi Palu added.
Weve got to be on par with where were at so if part of our team is just a little bit behind, we need to make sure we stay with them and build that cohesion working together.
Its a long year and were three Test matches in so hopefully this is a game where well start to see a shift in intensity facing the Kiwis.