Wallaroos finish 'tough' WXV tour with emphatic win over Scotland

The Wallaroos were delighted to finish off their “tough” European tour with a win over Scotland in the WXV Global Series.

Over the past fortnight, Australia have lost out to England and France, but ended their time in the northern hemisphere with a 30-10 victory against Dave Butchers’ Scotland in Edinburgh.

Desiree Miller, Samantha Wood, Brianna Hoy and Faitala Moleka were all try-scorers in the Scottish capital as the visitors overturned a 10-5 half-time deficit to subject their hosts to a third loss in a row this September.

“Really pleased to finish off what’s been a really tough campaign for us,” Michael Ruthven, Wallaroos assistant coach, said.

“The girls have certainly been progressing in our performance week to week, so it’s a really pleasing way to finish.

“We certainly had to work hard for it, but I thought the girls really increased the tempo in the second half and were able to score some tries.”

It was an historic day for the Wallaroos overall. Michaela Leonard became the first player to represent the team 50 times and Desiree Miller’s try saw the wing become the first player to score 100 international points for the team.

Getting a win has also meant that Australia have finished the first stage of their WXV Global Series campaign on a high. Against England, a bright first-half display could not be backed up and the side lost 48-15.

A week later they failed to take advantage of a hugely indisciplined France team and lost 29-26. Like a week earlier, they led at the halfway stage.

In Edinburgh it was a lot more complete performance from the Wallaroos, who for large swathes of the fixture managed the game well.

It is also a result that means the Wallaroos have a 100% win record against Scotland, who they will welcome to Australia for a two-Test series in October.

“We know what Scotland will bring to us – a lot of physicality, some game driving – but hey, we’ve got the skill set and we’ve got the team to bring it to them,” Faitala Moleka, who was awarded player of the match, said.

“I’m excited. Looking back on that second half, I think the girls can really take that and use that as confidence as we go back home.”