Wallaroos defeat Fijiana in long-awaited Test
THE Wallaroos celebrated after ending their 956-day Test match drought with an impressive 36-19 defeat of the Fijiana in Brisbane.
Denied a chance to play a Test since 2019 because of COVID-19, the Wallaroos channeled the emotion of an inspiring and tearful rendition of the national anthem as they delivered a clinical performance.
A six-try effort was Friday night's upbeat emergence from international isolation for the Wallaroos when they toppled the Fijiana Drua at Suncorp Stadium.
The emotion of the national anthems was clear with tears, quivering lips and proud arm-inarm renditions from the teams.
However, the Wallaroos were pushed by the dangerous Fijians, who boasted a host of talent from the Fijiana Drua side that romped undefeated to the Super W title in their maiden season.
Up by seven points and with 20 minutes to play, Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry boldly opted to kick for touch rather than go for a penalty-goal attempt.
It paid off, with a clinical maul from the lineout, helping hooker Ashley Marsters score a crucial try. The result is a boost for the Wallaroos, who will face Japan on the Gold Coast, ahead of the Women's RWC in NZ in October later in the year.
The Wallaroos backline did the early damage, with centre Pauline Piliae claiming playerof-the-match honours. Winger Mahalia Murphy and pocket rocket winger Ivania Wong were also impressive.
Piliae scored one try and and set two up two more, while Murphy also crossed for a five-pointer. Veteran prop Liz Patu, in her 24th Test, bagged a try in another impressive shift. Fijiana hooker Vika Matarugu scored two close-range tries in the first half, while Talei Wilson kept the visitors in the exciting contest with a try after sustained pressure in the second term, but the Wallaroos, anchored by backrower Parry, contained the Fijiana's dangerous back-line to stave off any signs of a comeback.
Parry then iced the contest with a try of her own, plucking a pass from Georgie Friedrichs's line-break. Wallaroos Skipper Shannon Parry said the anthem moment was a powerful scenesetter. She added, "When you are in that line of green and gold, you feel the tingling and the emotion.
It's something really special when you get to play in an Aussie jersey in front of a home crowd and even more so as a Brissy girl at Suncorp Stadium. Also, all the hard yards which have been put in by the group over the last two-and-a-half-years for no reward.
You could tell in the faces of all the girls how much this meant to them. We had 11 debutants in the green and gold and it's a very special moment."
Wallaroos head coach Jay Tregonning named his best players, including the likes of Liz Patu, Adiana Talakai, Bridie O'Gorman, Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor, Shannon Parry, Grace Hamilton, Iliseva Batibasaga, Arabella McKenzie, Ivania Wong, Pauline Piliae, Georgina Friedrichs, Mahalia Murphy, Lori Cramer, Ashley Marsters, Madison Schuck, Eva Karpani, Sera Naiqama, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare and Jemima McCalman, while Fijiana Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula opted for the likes of Joma Rubuti, Karalaini Naisewa, Vika Matarugu, Jade Coates, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Ema Adivitaloga, Emma Masi, Sereima Leweniqila, Rejieli Uluinayau, Luisa Yaranamua, Vitalina Naikore, Rachel Laqeretabua, Talei Wilson, Kolora Lomani, Roela Radiniyavuni, Keleni Marawa, Rusila Tamoi, Mereoni Namositava, Timaima Ravisa, Ebony Satala, Akosita Ravato, Teresia Tinanivalu, and Merewalesi Rokouono.
The Wallaroos ended their 956day Test drought in epic fashion, but the Fijians learned valuable lessons from the loss. Thanks to AAP/ABC and Sky Sports, I analysed the match!
RAJNESH LINGAM is a contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not necessarily of this newspaper or his employer.