Wed, Jul 17, 2024, 5:47 AM
Nathan Williamson

More- https://wallaroos.rugby/news/wallaro...-union-2024716

The Wallaroos Test schedule for the second half of the season has been locked in, with the side set to face Wales twice in the space of a week.

It comes as the side confirmed they will face the Welsh in Newport on September 21, a week after they face Ireland in Belfast.

They will then open their WXV account against the eighth-ranked side on September 28 in Cape Town.

This will be followed by a clash with hosts South Africa on October 6, finishing their tournament against Scotland on October 13.

“We are at the halfway point of the year in terms of the number of Tests played and overall there has been some great strides made despite results not reflecting that on the scoreboard," coach Jo Yapp said.

"The Test matches against Ireland and Wales on their home turf will provide us with key preparation before WXV2, which is going to give the players fresh opposition to play and further development as a team to improve.

“We cannot underestimate the challenge WXV will provide the players. The time away as a group will give us a great opportunity to develop both on and off the field as we build towards next year’s Rugby World Cup."

The two sides faced off in WXV 1 last year, with Australia claiming a tense 25-19 win in New Zealand.

The additional Tests ensure the Wallaroos will play their highest number of Tests in their 30 year history as the build to Rugby World Cup 2025 continues.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to play Wales in September at Rodney Parade," National High Performance Manager Jaime Fernandez added.

“Both Test matches support our desire to be appropriately prepared for WXV2 in South Africa and in the long-term the Rugby World Cup in 2025.

“So much of what we are endeavouring to achieve in the Wallaroos environment is to build experience, knowledge and provide opportunity for our players to experience what is unique and exciting about the global game of Rugby.

“Giving the team exposure to high level international games, including how to manage long haul travel and northern hemisphere playing conditions, is a necessary imperative if we are to grow as a squad.”

WALLAROOS AWAY TEST SCHEDULE

Saturday 14 September: Ireland v Australia – Kingspan Stadium, Belfast, Time TBC
Saturday 21 September: Wales v Australia – Rodney Parade, Newport, 4:00am (AEST)

WALLAROOS WXV SCHEDULE

Saturday 28 September: Australia v Wales - DHL Stadium, Cape Town, 8:30pm (AEST)
Sunday 6 October: South Africa v Australia - Athlone Stadium, Cape Town, 1:00am (AEST)
Sunday 13 October: Australia v Scotland - Athlone Stadium, Cape Town, 2:00am (AEST)

WXV 1 SCHEDULE

Pool A
England
France
Ireland

Pool B
Canada
New Zealand
USA

WXV 3 SCHEDULE

Pool A
Spain
Hong Kong China
Samoa

Pool B
Fiji
Netherlands
Madagascar