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.”