Wallaroos brace for another ‘crucial’ Test three months before World Cup

The Women’s Rugby World Cup in England kicks off in three months. Australia kick off their campaign the following on the 23^rd of August against Samoa in Manchester, but there’s still plenty of rugby to be played between now and then.

After beating Fiji 43-7 earlier this month, the Wallaroos remain in the race for the Pacific Four Series title after a historic triumph over Ilona Maher’s USA in Canberra. Australia had lost to New Zealand in Newcastle the week before, and have another big task ahead of them.

Captain Siokapesi Palu made it clear, the Wallaroos are “really focused on us and what we can do” ahead of this week’s clash with World No. 2 Canada in Brisbane. While it’s still months away, this is a potential quarter-final matchup at the World Cup, depending on results.

Canada are coming off a dramatic 27-all draw with the Black Ferns in Christchurch, with inside centre Sylvina Brunt scoring a try out-wide in the final play to avoid a loss. They’re one of the favourites for World Cup glory, so this looms as another massive Test for the Aussies.

“We saw where we kind of sat with the New Zealand team and it shows that there has been a lot of progress. This game will definitely be crucial,” Palu told reporters in Brisbane.

“There’s still a few more games for all of us to play so we don’t know what can happen in that time.

“We know that come World Cup that’s when we actually have to step up,” she added. “These games are just to help us connect.

“We’ve got a different group of girls coming into this space… the sevens girls and those that are injured at the moment. It’ll be interesting to see how we go.”

Coach Jo Yapp has named a star-studded matchday squad that is eager to take it to one of the world’s best, with NSW Waratahs skipper Emily Chancellor and sevens convert Tia Hinds among those looking to make a difference off the pine.

Palu will lead a side that boasts plenty of experience, including 29-Test tighthead prop Bridie O’Gorman, 35-Test lock Michaela Leonard who also used to captain the side, and three-time Olympian Charlotte Caslick.

Caslick will line up in a new role this week, having been named at inside centre for the first time. After switching from the HSBC SVNS Series to focus on 15s for the season, the former Australia Sevens captain has otherwise played fullback for the Reds and wing for the Wallaroos.

Last weekend at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, the Wallaroos claimed their first win over the USA Eagles on Australian soil. Having also taken out the WXV 2 title in South Africa in 2024, the Wallaroos are confident they’re heading int the right direction.

“We know they’re going to be physical and they’re on a bit of a high after coming from their drawn game last week with the Black Ferns,” Palu said.

“We’re confident with what we produced last week and especially the weeks before, so we’ve just got to take confidence in knowing that we know what we need to do, it’s just a matter of executing on the night where it matters.

“Growth is a massive focus for us. You can see as we shift and change, different people in different positions, different girls coming back into the game day 23, so we’re really just trying to build connection and build depth.

“[It’s] not a spring. We’re just trying to make sure we get that right.”