2024 Ireland v Wallaroos

[Burgs]

Where it all began: Pomare reflects on Irish return as Wallaroos prepare for rare Test

Tue, Sep 10, 2024, 11:05 AM
Nathan Williamson

Wallaroos vice-captain Trilleen Pomare has taken the time to reminisce as the Australians return to the place where the experience back made her debut on the Test arena.

Pomare is the lone player left from the last time the Wallaroos faced Ireland as they prepare for just their fifth-ever match-up on Saturday (AWST).

The match-up occurred at the 2017 World Cup, with the 31-year-old becoming Wallaroos #155 after starting in a 19-17 loss in the group stages to the hosts.

The two sides would rematch in the 5th-8th place playoff, Pomare coming off the bench in a 36-24 win.

“It was heaps of fun, that was my debut game in 2017 when I started at flyhalf. To be the only one left is pretty special," she said

“Them being in the Six Nations, they get a lot of Test matches so there’s a lot of continuity and they’ve grown a lot as a team.

“I think the kicking game is something we’re going to have to adapt to, Northern Hemisphere sides play a completely different game compared to the Black Ferns but our back three is going to have to be one and ready to counter. We’ll be up for the challenge.”

A lot has changed since the last game, with Pomare growing into a leadership role as the young squad takes in their first European tour.

“I think we have a good leadership group, a good bunch of older and younger players so we check in on each other and I think that’s the most crucial thing being away from our families for so long," she explained.

“We have a good support system here within our own group and also having a mental skills coach to help support and navigate us through those challenges.

“It’s always a challenge being away from family and so far away from home. We’re each other’s family for now and we’ve really got to make sure we stick together.

“I think any opportunity where you can mimic a World Cup year is crucial for our own development

“We’ve got to earn how to build our own skills to get through long tours being away from and dealing with selections, non selections and what role you play whether you’re inside or outside of the 23.”

Pot of Gold: Bridie O'Gorman relishing return to Irish 'homeland' with Wallaroos

Mon, Sep 9, 2024, 2:09 PM
Nathan Williamson

When the Wallaroos take the field in Belfast against Ireland, there'll be a small patch of gold in a sea of green as the extended O'Gorman family cheer on the experienced prop.

With a last name like O'Gorman, the 25-year-old naturally has a deep family connection with the Emerald Isle with cousins and family across the country.

“My dad’s from Tipperary just south of Dublin but I’ve also got some family in London and some in Cork and Limerick so I’ll be shooting them a message and see if they want to make the drive up,” O’Gorman said to Rugby.com.au.

“It’s super exciting for me. I haven’t played Ireland before and I’m just keen to get out there and keen to go back to the homeland.

O'Gorman will look to convince the 20+ relatives to pull on the gold jersey for the day as the Wallaroos face Ireland as part of their 150th-anniversary celebrations.

“I’m really keen. I haven’t been there for probably 10 or 15 years so it’ll be good to play over there and link up with my family again," she added before the side headed overseas.

“They haven’t messaged yet (for tickets) but I’m sure it’ll come closer to the day.”

Ireland will loom as a perfect test for the Australians, who last played them at the 2017 World Cup.

The tenth-ranked Irish surprised many to lock in a spot in WXV 1 after finishing third in the Six Nations whilst Australia prepares to head to WXV 2 in South Africa later in the month.

As the World Cup approaches, O'Gorman and the Wallaroos have their full focus on building for next year's event, set to take place just a short hop over the Irish Sea in England.

“As a group, our goal at the moment is that performance at the World Cup," she believes.

“Everything from now is preparing us for that and one year goes pretty quick so we’re starting to get ready now.”

[Burgs]

I'm sure Michaela will be far more professional than I would be about this...
Looking at combining with a couple of other selections, I suspect there's an element of WXV "Trial" going on, but a significant kick in the leadership guts as she's hardly put a foot wrong since taking over from Duck.
Hopefully Stan has some commentary around the decision.

Ngauamo and Dinnen set to make long-awaited Wallaroos debuts

Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 2:01 PM
Ben Somerford

https://westernforce.rugby/news/ngau...debuts-2024912

Western Force pair Alapeta Ngauamo and Lucy Dinnen are set to make their Wallaroos debuts after being named in the 23-player team to face Ireland on Saturday.

The Wallaroos will face the Irish in Belfast from 9:30pm WST on Saturday live on Stan Sport as preparation for the upcoming WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town.

Prop Ngauamo and back-rower Dinnen have been named as reserves, while Michaela Leonard is in the starting XV.

Dinnen’s Test debut would come at the age of 31, having been in extended squads in the lead-up to the 2022 Rugby World Cup previously.

She moved to Perth prior to the 2024 Super W season where she played six games and has played locally with Wanneroo in the Fortescue Women's Premier Grade. She previously played for the Queensland Reds and won the Super W Player of the Year in 2021.

Front-rower Ngauamo received her maiden call-up in June in an extended squad for a training camp in Canberra and is set to debut at 35-years-old.

She also switched Queensland for Perth prior to the 2024 season, where she excelled with six appearances and a try for the Force.

“We’re all really excited to be here in Belfast and I’ve been pleased with how the players have settled in and responded with the travel and being away from home,” Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said.

“We want to put in a good performance on Saturday and build on what we’ve been working on in recent camps. It’s a new-look side selected and it’s important with a few injuries to build depth in key areas and give players an opportunity.

“Alapeta, Lucy and Tiarah are all deserving of their first Test caps this weekend and we’re looking forward to watching them play.”


New captain, three debutants named as Wallaroos revamp side for Ireland Test

Thu, Sep 12, 2024, 1:58 PM
Nathan Williamson

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has shaken up the side as they face Ireland in Belfast on Saturday, making a raft of changes headlined by new captain Siokapesi Palu.

Palu takes over the duties from Michaela Leonard for the game, who stays in the side in the second row.

Catch the Wallaroos take on Ireland live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport

Tuinakauvadra replaces the inured Piper Duck at number eight whilst the elevation of Nathan back into the starting side comes as Ash Marsters moves to hooker following a finger injury to Tania Naden.

Bridie O’Gorman shifts from tighthead to loosehead prop after Brianna Hoy ruptured her ACL at training.

It’s a new look halves partnership as Natalie Wright gets her first start for the Wallaroos alongside Faitala Moleka.

Maya Stewart completes her return from a hamstring injury to partner Desiree Miller and Lori Cramer in the other change to the backline.

On the bench, forwards trio Alapeta Ngauamo, Tiarah Minns and Lucy Dinnen are in line for their Wallaroos debut.

Ngauamo provides front-row cover alongside Lydia Kavoa, with the flanker shifting to the front-row amid the injury crisis.

Minns makes a long-anticipated debut after featuring in past Wallaroos' wider squads whilst Dinnen (née Lockhart) caps off a successful return after linking up with the Western Force initially in the extended squad injury cover.

“We’re all really excited to be here in Belfast and I’ve been pleased with how the players have settled in and responded with the travel and being away from home,” Yapp said in a statement.

“We want to put in a good performance on Saturday and build on what we’ve been working on in recent camps.

“It’s a new-look side selected and it’s important with a few injuries to build depth in key areas and give players an opportunity.

“Alapeta, Lucy and Tiarah are all deserving of their first Test caps this weekend and we’re looking forward to watching them play.”

WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO FACE IRELAND

1. Bridie O'Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 22 caps

2. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Booroondarra) – 29 caps

3. Eva Karpani (#171 - Onkaparinga) – 26 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - CSU Marlins) – 20 caps

5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 27 caps

6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 11 caps

7. Leilani Nathan (#202 - Hamilton Hawks) – 7 caps

8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 6 caps

9. Natalie Wright (#213 - Wests Bulldogs) – 2 caps

10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 11 caps

11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 7 caps

12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 15 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 24 caps

14. Maya Stewart (#196 - Nelson Bay Gropers) – 11 caps

15. Lori Cramer (#172 - University of Queensland) – 23 caps

16. Tiarna Molloy (#191 - Inverell Highlanders) – 3 caps

17. Alapeta Ngauamo* (Wests Bulldogs) - uncapped

18. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) - 1 cap

19. Tiarah Minns* (Melbourne Uni/Manly Mermaids) – uncapped

20. Lucy Dinnen* (Wanneroo) – uncapped

21. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 26 caps

22. Arabella McKenzie (#175 - Lightning Ridge Tigers) – 26 caps

23. Biola Dawa (#211 - Wagga Reddies) – 2 caps

[Burgs]

Captaincy switch explained after 'heartbreaking' blow

Story by Sam Worthington

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp admits she is unsure whether Siokapesi Palu will be a long-term captain after making a surprise leadership switch for Saturday's Test against Ireland.

Brumbies skipper Palu has replaced Michaela Leonard as skipper despite the Force lock being retained in the starting lineup.

The Wallabies have also regularly changed captains over the last two seasons.

Watch the Wallaroos vs Ireland Test match, streaming ad free, live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport

https://twitter.com/StanSportRugby/s...rc=twsrc%5Etfw

"Mac (Leonard) is still very much tour captain for us, but we're trying to increase our depth of leadership, so we saw this as an opportunity to give Siokapesi Palu a chance to start as captain," Yapp said.

"She's been captain for us before when Mac's left the field, so she'll get the opportunity to start and see how she develops as a leader."
Yapp added that the Ireland Test was a "one off" to see how Palu performs in the role.

Australia are also playing Wales before travelling to South Africa for the new WXV 2 tournament.

The Wallaroos are without Brianna Hoy after the Waratahs prop suffered an ACL injury at training on Tuesday.

Hoy will return home to undergo surgery with a replacement player yet to be confirmed.

https://omny.fm/shows/rugby-world-cu...st&style=Cover

"It is a big blow but it's just a big blow for her as a person as well," Yapp said.

"She's an extremely popular member of the squad as well. She's kind, caring, professional in everything she does, so it's always really heartbreaking when that happens to a player."

Yapp has also named three uncapped players on her bench for the Test at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium with Force duo Alapeta Ngauamo, and Lucy Dinnen and former Rebels forward Tiarah Minns in line to make their debuts.

Prop Ngauamo's first selection is a story of perseverance at 36-years-old.

"Alapeta, she's been performing really well across at the Force," Yapp said.

"I think with the props, the older you get, the better you get, they say. She comes in, she's been working really hard and just brings a really good attitude with her as well.

https://twitter.com/StanSportRugby/s...rc=twsrc%5Etfw

"And she's super willing to learn still, even at the age she is.

"She definitely deserves the opportunity to be in the squad."

[Burgs]

LIVE: Wallaroos begin pre-WXV tour with Ireland clash

Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 7:27 PM
Lachlan Grey and Nathan Williamson

The Wallaroos will open their European tour as they face Ireland in Belfast.

It's the first time outside of a World Cup the two teams will play each other and the first time they have matched up since 2017.

Catch the Wallaroos take on Ireland live, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named a revamped side, with Siokapesi Palu the new captain to go with three debutants on the bench.

As for Ireland, they are preparing for their first appearance in WXV 1 later in the month.

Sevens star Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe returns to the side as they commence the 150th year of Irish Rugby celebrations.

FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM 9:30 WST IN THE LIVE BLOG BELOW OR THE MATCH CENTRE

WALLAROOS v IRELAND TEAMS

WALLAROOS (15-1): Lori Cramer, Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Cecilia Smith, Desiree Miller, Faitala Moleka, Natalie Wright, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Leilani Nathan, Siokapesi Palu (c), Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Eva Karpani, Ashley Marsters, Bridie O'Gorman

Replacements: Tiarna Molloy, Alapeta Ngauamo, Lydia Kavoa, Tiarah Minns, Lucy Dinnen, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Biola Dawa

IRELAND (15-1): Eimear Considine; Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Aoife Dalton, Enya Breen, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe; Dannah O'Brien, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Brittany Hogan, Edel McMahon (c), Aoife Wafer, Ruth Campbell, Dorothy Wall, Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Niamh O'Dowd

Replacements: Clíodhna Moloney, Siobhán McCarthy, Christy Haney, Fiona Tuite, Erin King, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins, Stacey Flood

Referee: Clara Munarini (Italy)

AR: Maria Heitor (Portugal)

AR: Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales)

TMO: Ian Tempest (England)

HOW TO WATCH WALLAROOS v IRELAND
The Wallaroos' clash with Ireland will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.

Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 9:20 pm with kickoff expected at 9:30 pm.

[Burgs]

Ireland outclass Wallaroos in pre-WXV tour opener

Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 10:55 PM
Lachlan Grey and Nathan Williamson

Ireland have proved their class with a strong 36-10 victory over the Wallaroos in Belfast.

The Irish showed the form that got them into WXV 1 as they crossed for six tries in the victory.

Maya Stewart got Australia on the board early before the clinical Irish took advantage of their mistakes to run away with the match.

Player of the match Aoife Wafer was the main destroyer as the flanker crossed for a double in their first clash outside of a World Cup.

Continues- https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallar...-watch-2024914

Five things we learnt from Wallaroos - Ireland

Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 11:50 PM
Lachlan Grey

The Wallaroos' end of year tour opened with a 36-10 humbling at the hands of Ireland in Belfast.

Returning winger Maya Stewart bagged a brace but there were few highlights aside as the Aoife Wafer-led Irish ran rampant with five tries to two on home soil.

Here's what we learnt:


1. Aussies their own worst enemies
The fifth-ranked Wallaroos made ninth-ranked Ireland look like world beaters in Belfast.

Poor attacking kicks, repeated handling errors, a wayward line out and sluggish ruck defence plagued the Australians all afternoon with the Irish always outmaneuvering and one step ahead.

Ireland playmaker Dannah O'Brien outkicked her Aussie rivals and was key to the hosts' victory, as were star flanker Aoife Wafer and their sevens contingent, but there's no doubt this was a Wallaroos side far from polished and far from their best.

Skipper Pesi Palu admitted as much post-game, identifying their attacking clear-out and line-out set piece as areas to work on while Jo Yapp branded their energy as "disappointing".

In the few moments it clicked in attack, Australia found joy out wide - but those moments were few and far between.


2. Marvelous Maya
Let's touch on those few moments and the player that brought them to life - Maya Stewart.

In her return from injury, Stewart scored both of Australia's tries and it was her point of difference - sheer pace - that made it possible.

Her match-up with Aimee-Lee Murphy Crowe was worth the price of admission as the flyers went toe-to-toe and on paper, you'd have to say Stewart shaded the Irish sevens legend.

Props also to front-row duo Bridie O'Gorman and Eva Karpani who produced mammoth shifts while Faitala Moleka showed glimpses of her potential in the starting flyhalf role.

3. Welcome to the Wallaroos family
It'd be remiss not to remind readers of the latest trio to debut for Australia - Lucy Dinnen, Alapeta Ngauamo and Tiarnah Minns.

All three players have incredible stories; from Dinnen's 10-year journey to Ngauamo's late blooming and Minns' injury battles.

All three held their own on the paddock - Ngauamo fronted up at scrum time, Dinnen was her typically industrious self on the flank and Minns' late cameo showcased her strong running game.

Now, all three have a special place in Australian rugby history.

4. Wafer, Sevens transfers shine
Here's a name to remember - Aoife Wafer.

The two-try Irish flanker was like an emerald rash all over the Aussies, pilfering at will and mastering the art of seagulling out wide. One to watch in next year's World Cup.

And while sevens star Murphy Crowe was well handled by Stewart, Ireland's other short-form specialists added the firepower Australia can only dream of calling upon.

Olympians Eve Higgins and Stacey Flood turned the game for Ireland from the pine with Higgins' carrying setting up Aoife Wafer's second try and Flood's clever kicking keeping the Australians pinned down back.

Their inclusion alongside Murphy Crowe sits in contrast to the Australian sevens program with no current women's squad members selected in the touring Wallaroos.

5. Wash it, go again for Wales
Saturday's loss will give coach Jo Yapp plenty to think about.

"On the whole, we were a bit disappointed with our energy out there and we're excited to bounce back next week," Yapp told media post-game.

"These two games (against Ireland and Wales) are a good opportunity to see what we've got … we play Wales again in WXV so next week's a really big game."

A new halves combination of Nat Wright and Faitala Moleka plus three debutants showed the Wallaroos boss is happy to tinker ahead of a stacked WXV2 campaign leading into 2025's World Cup tilt.

With limited preparations, Yapp will likely tinker with her side again to face the Welsh next week - and why not? You'd rather see it now than in tournament play.

Just don't expect the Welsh to be easy beats. Last year's WXV clash was a thriller and the Welsh have been honing their skills with New Zealand on the training paddock.

They'll be ready and raring.

'Frustrating': Wallaroos coach Yapp laments sloppy Irish defeat

Sun, Sep 15, 2024, 4:33 AM
Nathan Williamson

Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp was left frustrated at their discipline and lack of game control after a disappointing 36-10 defeat to Ireland.

The Irish controlled the majority of the match and powered their way home to defy their ninth ranking and show the form that got them into WXV 1.

Australian trailed 12-5 leading into the break before a sloppy mistake allowed Ireland to strike, eventually running out with the win thanks in part to Sevens stars Stacey Flood and Eve Higgins off the bench.

"Our discipline let us down early on and we didn't get an easy entry into their half and we just couldn't seem to get out of ours," Yapp said on the post-match coverage.

"A lot for us to work on around that breakdown area and a few other bits, but on the whole just a little bit frustrating.

"It's our first hitout. We had new combinations and caps out there so it was good to see them get the chance."

The Wallaroos made several changes leading into the game, with Natalie Wright and Faitala Moleka enjoying a mixed afternoon as the new halves partnership.

Versatile forward Ashley Marsters slotted in at hooker and scrummaged well, although struggled at lineout.

"We had three new debutants today and a new nine and ten so going into a World Cup, it's really important that we build that depth," Yapp added.

"But on the whole, We're just disappointed with our energy out there and we need to bounce back for next week."

The Wallaroos will head to Newport as they prepare for back-to-back matches against Wales.

"These games are a good opportunity to see what we've got and playing Wales in Wales, it's a big game for us," Yapp added.

Wales v Australia- 1:50am 21 September 2024