'The Bok Women love the contact' warns Wallaroos rising star
INTERVIEW: Wallaroos flyhalf Faitala Moleka braces herself for a tough task when they take on the Springbok Women on Saturday at the Athlone Stadium.
Australia, fresh off a 37-5 win over Wales in the WXV 2, will want to continue their winning run as they face the hosts, South Africa, in Round Two.
The two teams last played a Test in the 2014 World Cup where Wallaroos outplayed the Springboks W.
However, in recent months the Boks have shown tremendous growth beating the likes of Barbarians, Spain and Japan.
#PREVIEW: A look at all the upcoming @WXVRugby Round Two action at Athlone Stadium – including the big one between South Africa V Australia! #rugby #sports #WomeInRugby @WomenBoks @WallaroosRugby @JRFURugby @Scotlandteam @Federugby @WelshRugbyUnion https://t.co/W58mA5FQFA
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 3, 2024
Speaking to @rugby365com at the WXV 2 legacy event organised by World Rugby in partnership with Western Province Rugby at the Green Point Track in Cape Town, Moleka predicted a physical battle against Bok Women.
“It is going to be a tough one,” said Moleka.
“I love the Springboks and what they bring to the table. They are a very strong team.
“If you look at me I’m not very strong in stature so hopefully I can hold my own against them.
“They had a great game last week against Japan, I hope they bring something to the crowd that they are excited to watch.”
She added: “The Boks love the contact. They going to come at us upfront and we have to be prepared.
“We have done pretty well throughout the week with our coach prepping us for what will come this Saturday.”
Squad on lock 🔒
🆚 South Africa
🏟️ Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
🗓️ Sun Oct 6 | 1:00am AEST
📺 @StanSportAU#Wallaroos #WXV pic.twitter.com/sRsC2SccnyADVERTISEMENT— Wallaroos (@WallaroosRugby) October 4, 2024
At just 19 years old, Moleka with her bright smile, stole the hearts of many fans with her impressive performance against Wales last week.
A late inclusion for Arabella McKenzie, Moleka grabbed the opportunity with both hands and steered Wallaroos to a 37-5 win over Wales in the WXV 2 opener at Cape Town Stadium.
The young flyhalf was named the Player of the Match and days after the Round One fixture is still taken aback by the accolade.
“It was a blessed experience,” said Moleka.
“The week before that we unfortunately lost against Wales, so the girls really wanted to come out strong.
“We wanted to show South Africa and the world what we can do and thank God that we were able to come out with that result.”
Moleka and a few of her Wallaroos teammates, along with other international women’s players from South Africa, Wales, Japan, Italy, Australia and Scotland attended a WXV legacy event earlier this week.
The event saw 250 learners from areas including Delft, Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein and Langa, who play rugby for their schools in the Under-14 and U15 age category gather at the Green Point Track.
Different stations were set up with various training and coaching drills where the learners were able to engage with the players directly.
Moleka said while her time in Cape Town has been incredible, seeing all the young girls and the love they have for the game and the players stands out and is reminiscent of life in Samoa.
“Coming to an environment like this just feels like back home, back in Samoa with all the love and energy these girls bring,” said Moleka.
“I’m just trying to embrace everything.
“We still have a job to do but this is the kind of engagement that I’m truly blessed to see.
“Even just being 19 and being able to inspire these young girls to keep playing rugby is really good.”
“I really didn’t know so many girls even know my name, I just play rugby.
“But is it so surprising and heartwarming for these girls to know my name and even watch girls rugby. That is how you know you making an impact and hopefully we can support them as much as they support us.”
Moleka, one of eight kids, reveals she wants to urge the young girls just to be themselves.
“As a member of the Wallaroos, I just want to show how much pride we have in our rugby and our programme.
“For myself, the legacy I want to leave is to inspire girls to have fun, be authentic, be who they are.
“So starting young and going into my older years, I want to say be to be true to yourself, embrace your culture, nationality and ethnicity. Show the world what you can do.”
