Wallaroos kick off new era with win over Fiji inspired by debutant 10

Fly-half Nicole Ledington has had a debut to remember as she powered the revamped Wallaroos to a gritty 33-15 victory against a lively Fiji at GIO Stadium.

In their first Test since suffering a 46-5 thumping from Canada in the quarter-finals of last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, Australia returned to winning ways in Canberra on Friday.

With the clash their only match before next month’s Pacific Four Series, also involving world No.2 Canada, No.3 New Zealand and No.8 USA, the win lays a good platform for the fixtures.

Western Force’s Ledington dazzled in her first international cap, scoring a try, making a try-saving tackle, and terrorising the visitors’ defence with her blistering runs.

She was one of six debutants who took the field as the Australians also started the long preparation towards the home World Cup in 2029.

“She (Ledington) played as if she had played 20 or 30 Tests tonight. She just controlled the game and kept that cool head,” interim coach Sam Needs said.

“It was a real fight. We haven’t played since October, so for us to come out and have a good game … it’s a really good starting point for us.”

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Wallaroos. After a dominant start, they lost their grip on the game as Fiji’s physicality and offloads troubled their defence.

But crucial five-pointers to Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller were enough for the home team to claim the Vuvale Bowl.

The win came in the Wallaroos’ first outing under Needs, who took over after Jo Yapp departed for personal reasons.

“That was one that got away – we just had a couple of key moments where we lost our way,” Fiji coach Mike Legge said.

“We asked the girls to put up a good platform for us to build to the next World Cup. This game was quite an important step in that.”

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Ledington tore through Fiji’s defence and crossed in the 13th minute, before prop Bridie O’Gorman pounced on  a loose ball to score in the 26th minute.

Fellow prop Brianna Hoy was sent to the sin bin after inflicting a high shot, and Fiji capitalised when lock Carletta Yee drove the ball over the line in the 36th minute.

Leading 14-10 at halftime, the Wallaroos extended their advantage when they moved left, and captain Siokapesi Palu stormed over in the 47th minute.

Fiji responded immediately when Josivini Naihamu scored, and they thought they had another in store when Naihamu broke down the right flank, but Ledington made a courageous tackle to deny the inside centre.

Moments later, Stewart crossed after a superb lofted pass from Georgina Friedrichs in the 61st minute.

Friedrichs then provided another excellent pass, this time to right winger Miller in the dying seconds.