VIDEO: Home advantage makes Bok Women dangerous says Wallaroos skipper
SPOTLIGHT: Australia Women’s team is on high alert for hosts South Africa as the unbeaten teams prepare for a crucial clash in the WXV2 tournament in Cape Town this weekend.
The Wallaroos opened their campaign with a bang in delivering their best performance of the year to down Wales 37-5 – a major confidence boost after some tough losses since coach Jo Yapp took over.
The result lifted them to the top of the table on points differential, with South Africa also beating Japan in their first match.
Both teams only play one more game in the truncated tournament, with Australia still to face third-placed Scotland while South Africa tackle Italy, who were first-up losers.
Captain Michaela Leonard said the Wallaroos recognised the importance of a good result against the home country, who they have beaten in each of their previous four meetings, the latest coming at the 2014 World Cup.
But the South Africans, who pride themselves on the set piece, have been on the rise since their women’s program became professional three years ago.
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“This is a crucial one,” the lock said.
“With us both coming off the back of wins, and Scotland in really good form at the moment, every game in this short series is crucial for us to win this tournament.
“The mood around our camp is still really positive, coming off the back of last week as we were really happy to finally put out a performance that we were capable of.
“But we know the South African Women aren’t to be under-estimated; the home advantage always makes it tough to play but the girls have trained really well.”
#INTERVIEW: It’s going to be a tough WXV 2 battle at the Athlone Stadium#rugby #news #sports @WXVRugby @WallaroosRugby @WomenBoks https://t.co/NUKuu8vljD
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Victorian flank Ashley Marsters joins Liz Patu as the equal most-capped Australian women’s Test player on Saturday, with 33 appearances.
But the achievement is tinged with sadness with her Melbourne Rebels joining their male counterparts in being axed from the Super Rugby competition this week.
“I think it’s definitely disappointing for all of the women from Victoria, just as much as it is for the men,” she said.
“I think people like Ash Marsters are a testament to the talent that we have in that part of Australia as well.
“It’s obviously disappointing to see the competition decreasing in the number of teams as we would love to continue to build the amount of depth and talent we have across Australia.
“I know that Rugby Australia is working really hard to make sure those players are supported and there are still pathways and avenues in Victoria for girls who want to stay in the game.”
