ACT Rugby

Five things we learnt from Wallaroos – Wales

Written by Lachlan Grey and Nathan Williamson on Sep 28, 2024 11:00 PM, courtesy of rugby.com.au Source article.Eva Karpani bulldozes her way to the line A sparkling second half performance saw Australia storm to a 37-5 victory over Wales in their WXV2 opener Late call-up Faitala Moleka was imperious at flyhalf while Eva Karpani, Maya Stewart and Tabua Tuinakauvadra all enjoyed key roles in the Wallaroos best performance yet under Jo Yapp. Here’s what we learnt: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wallaroos (@wallaroosrugby) 1. What a difference a week makes Beaten, bullied and bloodied in last week’s 31-24 loss at Rodney Parade, Australia looked a completely different side this time around at DHL Stadium. Admittedly, things started slow for the ‘Roo crew with Wales hammering their line before a Stewart line break and Layne Morgan’s quick-thinking quick-tap try stole an early lead. The Welsh would roll over a trademark maul before half time but as soon as Karpani stormed over (more on her later), the tide turned gold – deep, rich gold. Four tries after oranges and a renewed physicality saw Australia sweep away the Welsh dragon with Stewart (two), Moleka and Cramer snagging a bit of meat for good measure. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wallaroos (@wallaroosrugby) 2. Ka-POW-ni & Mighty Maya Maya Stewart and Eva Karpani – these two deserve their own segment. Stewart’s initial break against the run of play sparked life in the Australian camp after early signs warned of another shrinking violet performance but it was her second-half double that got tongues wagging. The first was classic Maya – good width, a Friedrichs assist and too much gas – but her 50m finale past three defenders was special. Karpani, however, just shades her winger for try of the game with a storming run to the line to regain the lead for Australia just before half time. The powerful prop also helped anchor a vastly improved Wallaroos scrum that routinely bashed and crashed the Welsh into submission. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WXV (@wxvrugby) 3. Young Brums full of runs Karpani and Stewart will be lighting up the socials but incoming Brumbies coach Andy Friend will be rubbing his hands after the performances of Moleka and Tuinakauvadra. Moleka, 19, and Tuinakavadra, 21, played with poise well above their years and Test caps with the flyhalf particularly impressive in her late call-up to replace Arabella McKenzie. The ACT playmaker kicked well out of hand and off the tee, scored a try through great support play and laid on assist after assist for her key ball runners. Meanwhile “Boo” rolled on from her breakout Newport performance with a series of strong carries and is fast becoming a challenger for Piper Duck’s once-untouchable number eight jersey. Can’t wait to see the pair continue linking up in gold and during next year’s Super Rugby Women’s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wallaroos (@wallaroosrugby) 4. “Yapp-Ball” starting to yield fruit Well, maybe we won’t call it Yapp-Ball but we’re starting to see a bit more of the Wallaroos through Joy Yapp’s eyes after this win. The former Red Rose’s attention to detail around the attacking halves was on full display as Morgan and Moleka took control of proceedings while areas of concern from last week’s loss (ruck security, defensive 22m exits, and maul defence) were vastly improved. “We are so proud of the players because we’ve had a tough run and we haven’t had results go our way,” Yapp told media post-game. “We knew we were capable of a performance like that .. and I’m really proud of our efforts.” Australia’s strength in contact and work-rate off the ground was also streets ahead of last week’s loss and it’s clear the side have toiled hard for this result – and their coach. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WXV (@wxvrugby) 5. Job’s not done until it’s done Emphatic wins over Wales aside, Australia still have plenty to prove over the next two weeks of WXV2. The Wallaroos were 1-6 heading into their Cape Town clash and will still finish the season with more losses than wins. That Welsh second half skewering was the best rugby we’ve seen under Yapp but it’s vital the Australians kick on from here and return home with a winning record, preferably unbeaten with a trophy in tow. While unpredictable, hosts South Africa should be accounted for if the Wallaroos are to be seen a genuine World Cup threat. Meanwhile Scotland are an improved side from the one beaten 14-12 in Rugby World Cup 2022 and took out last year’s WXV2 title. How the Wallaroos finish their campaign – and whether they meet their goal of a title – will give us a far better idea of what 2025 holds.