women
international women
The Wallaroos were delighted to end their “tough” European tour with a win Scotland in the WXV Global Series.
In the past two weeks, Australia have lost from England and France, but ended their time in the Northern Hemisphere with a 30-10 win against Dave Butchers’ Scotland in Edinburgh.
Desiree Miller, Samantha Wood, Brianna Hoy and Faitala Moleka were the scorers in the Scottish capital as the visitors overturned a 10-5 half-time deficit to subject their hosts to a third straight defeat this September.
“I’m really pleased to finish what has been a really tough campaign for us,” said Wallaroos assistant coach Michael Ruthven.
“The girls have certainly improved in our performance week on week so it’s a really nice way to finish.
“We certainly had to work hard for it, but I thought the girls really stepped up in the second half and managed to score a couple of tries.”
It was a historic day for the Wallaroos as a whole. Michaela Leonard became the first player to represent the team 50 times and Desiree Miller’s try saw the winger become the first player to score 100 international points for the team.
The win also meant Australia completed their first phase WXV Global Series high-level campaign. Against England, a great game in the first half could not be sustained and the team lost 48-15.
A week later they failed to take advantage of being extremely undisciplined France team and lost 29-26. Just like the week before, they led at the half.
In Edinburgh, it was a much more complete performance from the Wallaroos, who managed the game well for a large part of the game.
It’s also a result that means the Wallaroos have a 100% winning record against Scotland, who they welcome to Australia for a two-Test series in October.
“We know what Scotland are going to bring us – a lot of physicality, a bit of play – but hey, we’ve got the skill set and we’ve got the squad to bring it to them,” said Faitala Moleka, who was awarded man of the match.
“I’m excited. Looking back on that second half, I think the girls can really take it and use that confidence as we go home.”
