Wallabies lock in venues for July test series against England
The Wallabies will play Eddie Jones’ England in the first SCG test match since 1986 while the Wallaroos have locked in two tests next month ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Details of the three-test series against the 2019 World Cup finalists were confirmed on Tuesday, with Perth, Brisbane and Sydney to host games on consecutive Saturdays in July.
The SCG test on July 16 comes after last year’s clash against France was shifted from the venue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They will also meet in Perth for the first time in 10 years, while England were the last nation to beat Australia at their Suncorp Stadium stronghold in 2016.
“We talk a lot about wanting to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the world and three test matches in a row against England is the perfect opportunity to do that,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.
“It’s always special when Australia and England meet in the sporting arena and we’re looking forward to seeing plenty of gold jerseys in the stands during July.”
The Wallaroos will play two tests in Queensland next month ahead of the World Cup – against Fijiana in a double-header with the Queensland Reds on May 6 and then Japan on the Gold Coast a week later.
“There’s been an immense amount preparation for these upcoming test matches and the playing group, as well as the coaching staff, are itching to get their national campaign back underway,” Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning said.
“Over the past two years the entire women’s program has been building towards the next Wallaroos test season and these upcoming matches are a crucial part in our preparation for the Rugby World Cup.”
Fiji’s strengths are clear to see after the country’s dominant, unbeaten introduction to the Super W this season as a new outfit.
“Playing two strong nations like Japan and Fiji is extremely important to gain experience as a group against different styles of rugby,” Tregonning said.
“Seeing an expansive style of play has been a delight to watch from the Fijiana Drua this year in Super W and we are sure to see the same when we face Fiji’s national side in this series.”
Wallabies v England tests:
* Saturday, July 2 at Optus Stadium, Perth
* Saturday, July 9 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
* Saturday, July 16 at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Wallaroos fixtures:
* v Fijiana, Friday, May 6 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
* v Japan, Tuesday, May 10 at Bond University, Gold Coast.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to comments