Wallaroos highlight 'double-edged sword' in Fiji prep

Emily Chancellor says the Wallaroos’ preparation for their first Test since last year’s crushing Rugby World Cup exit has been a double-edged sword.

The Australian women’s team play Fiji at GIO Stadium on Friday as they begin building towards their home Rugby World Cup in 2029.

Both teams will come into the match lacking game time after the Super W season was shifted back until June to cater for international matches, which for Australia includes clashes against New Zealand, the USA, and Canada.

With the national team having an extended pre-season, Chancellor has backed the Wallaroos to overcome the obstacle against Fiji, whom they haven’t lost to in four matches.

“It’s a double-edged sword, because we’ve had so much time together, we’ve had three internal games that we’ve absolutely bashed the bleep out of each other,” the vice captain said on Thursday.

“That has been an absolute bonus because we don’t get the opportunities to play a physical game with the Australia versus Australia concept.

“It’s been hard because we haven’t got that complete game fitness, but we also have far more cohesion than we have ever had before.”

The Wallaroos are injecting six new players into their squad for the Fiji Test, and Chancellor says she’s felt refreshed by the new additions.

It comes after the Wallaroos suffered a 46-5 thumping to Canada in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals last September.

“This is the beginning of the next four-year cycle, and it’s a blank slate … To sit and dwell on past results doesn’t necessarily get you anywhere positive,” Chancellor said.

“I am so energised by the new group that’s coming through. They’re fearless, they’re fit, and they’re skilful.

“The two back-rowers (Dillyn Blackburn and Lily Bone) who have joined this squad this year are awesome. They’ve both got so much energy.”

Friday’s Test will also be the Wallaroos first without coach Jo Yapp after she moved back to England for personal reasons.

Sam Needs has stepped into the interim coach role with Rugby Australia, expected to find a full-time mentor after the Pacific Four Series beginning in April.

“As a type A human, I love how organised he (Needs) is and how structured training is. You know exactly where you stand with him,” Chancellor said.

“He’s a pretty black and white character, and that can be confronting at times, but it’s also something that really helps the girls grow in resilience.”