Latest news with #SiokapesiPalu
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wallaroos look for World Cup measure against Canada
With the Rugby World Cup three months away, the Wallaroos are determined not to take a backward step when they face Canada in their final round of the Pacific Four tournament. The Australian women tackle the Canadians at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Friday, looking to make a dent in a 0-6 win-loss record. While the Canada's men's team are ranked outside the top 20, their women are a rugby powerhouse, sitting at world No.2 - above world champions New Zealand, who they drew with last round. Canada's set-piece and rolling maul are their major weapons, while the Wallaroos will look to get sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick heavily involved in her first start at inside centre. "We know Canada are going to be physical and be on a high, with the draw last week with the Black Ferns," Wallaroos skipper Siokapesi Palu said at their final training session in Brisbane. The Wallaroos are going into the match with confidence high after a rousing win over the USA in Canberra last round while in their first match of the tournament they also delivered an improved performance against the Black Ferns, who they have also never beaten. "We're confident with what we produced last week and in the weeks before so we know what we need to do, it's just a matter of executing on the night when it matters," said Palu. "A win gives us huge confidence but it's the way we won, knowing that we had to front up physically is something that we need to take into this game." Brumbies flanker Palu said it was important to keep improving ahead of their World Cup opener, against Samoa in Manchester in August. The Wallaroos have a potential Cup quarter-final match-up with Canada. "Growth is a massive focus for us, which you can see as we shift and change different people in different positions - we're trying to build connections and depth," she said. "We saw where we kind of sat with the New Zealand team and it shows that there has been a lot of progress. "This game will definitely be crucial ahead of the World Cup but there's still a few more games for all of us to play so we don't know what can happen in that time."
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wallaroos look for World Cup measure against Canada
With the Rugby World Cup three months away, the Wallaroos are determined not to take a backward step when they face Canada in their final round of the Pacific Four tournament. The Australian women tackle the Canadians at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Friday, looking to make a dent in a 0-6 win-loss record. While the Canada's men's team are ranked outside the top 20, their women are a rugby powerhouse, sitting at world No.2 - above world champions New Zealand, who they drew with last round. Canada's set-piece and rolling maul are their major weapons, while the Wallaroos will look to get sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick heavily involved in her first start at inside centre. "We know Canada are going to be physical and be on a high, with the draw last week with the Black Ferns," Wallaroos skipper Siokapesi Palu said at their final training session in Brisbane. The Wallaroos are going into the match with confidence high after a rousing win over the USA in Canberra last round while in their first match of the tournament they also delivered an improved performance against the Black Ferns, who they have also never beaten. "We're confident with what we produced last week and in the weeks before so we know what we need to do, it's just a matter of executing on the night when it matters," said Palu. "A win gives us huge confidence but it's the way we won, knowing that we had to front up physically is something that we need to take into this game." Brumbies flanker Palu said it was important to keep improving ahead of their World Cup opener, against Samoa in Manchester in August. The Wallaroos have a potential Cup quarter-final match-up with Canada. "Growth is a massive focus for us, which you can see as we shift and change different people in different positions - we're trying to build connections and depth," she said. "We saw where we kind of sat with the New Zealand team and it shows that there has been a lot of progress. "This game will definitely be crucial ahead of the World Cup but there's still a few more games for all of us to play so we don't know what can happen in that time." With the Rugby World Cup three months away, the Wallaroos are determined not to take a backward step when they face Canada in their final round of the Pacific Four tournament. The Australian women tackle the Canadians at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Friday, looking to make a dent in a 0-6 win-loss record. While the Canada's men's team are ranked outside the top 20, their women are a rugby powerhouse, sitting at world No.2 - above world champions New Zealand, who they drew with last round. Canada's set-piece and rolling maul are their major weapons, while the Wallaroos will look to get sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick heavily involved in her first start at inside centre. "We know Canada are going to be physical and be on a high, with the draw last week with the Black Ferns," Wallaroos skipper Siokapesi Palu said at their final training session in Brisbane. The Wallaroos are going into the match with confidence high after a rousing win over the USA in Canberra last round while in their first match of the tournament they also delivered an improved performance against the Black Ferns, who they have also never beaten. "We're confident with what we produced last week and in the weeks before so we know what we need to do, it's just a matter of executing on the night when it matters," said Palu. "A win gives us huge confidence but it's the way we won, knowing that we had to front up physically is something that we need to take into this game." Brumbies flanker Palu said it was important to keep improving ahead of their World Cup opener, against Samoa in Manchester in August. The Wallaroos have a potential Cup quarter-final match-up with Canada. "Growth is a massive focus for us, which you can see as we shift and change different people in different positions - we're trying to build connections and depth," she said. "We saw where we kind of sat with the New Zealand team and it shows that there has been a lot of progress. "This game will definitely be crucial ahead of the World Cup but there's still a few more games for all of us to play so we don't know what can happen in that time." With the Rugby World Cup three months away, the Wallaroos are determined not to take a backward step when they face Canada in their final round of the Pacific Four tournament. The Australian women tackle the Canadians at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Friday, looking to make a dent in a 0-6 win-loss record. While the Canada's men's team are ranked outside the top 20, their women are a rugby powerhouse, sitting at world No.2 - above world champions New Zealand, who they drew with last round. Canada's set-piece and rolling maul are their major weapons, while the Wallaroos will look to get sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick heavily involved in her first start at inside centre. "We know Canada are going to be physical and be on a high, with the draw last week with the Black Ferns," Wallaroos skipper Siokapesi Palu said at their final training session in Brisbane. The Wallaroos are going into the match with confidence high after a rousing win over the USA in Canberra last round while in their first match of the tournament they also delivered an improved performance against the Black Ferns, who they have also never beaten. "We're confident with what we produced last week and in the weeks before so we know what we need to do, it's just a matter of executing on the night when it matters," said Palu. "A win gives us huge confidence but it's the way we won, knowing that we had to front up physically is something that we need to take into this game." Brumbies flanker Palu said it was important to keep improving ahead of their World Cup opener, against Samoa in Manchester in August. The Wallaroos have a potential Cup quarter-final match-up with Canada. "Growth is a massive focus for us, which you can see as we shift and change different people in different positions - we're trying to build connections and depth," she said. "We saw where we kind of sat with the New Zealand team and it shows that there has been a lot of progress. "This game will definitely be crucial ahead of the World Cup but there's still a few more games for all of us to play so we don't know what can happen in that time."
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Bring on NZ: Wallaroos aim to bust 0-27 record
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu has called for Australia to play more women's rugby games against top-tier nations as they attempt to close the gap on New Zealand. Women's international rugby is separated into three tiers, with Australia currently in tier two. NZ are among the powerhouses in tier one, having been crowned champions in six of the past seven World Cups. The Black Ferns hold an astounding 27-0 record against Australia in women's rugby, with the most recent meeting resulting in a whopping 62-0 win in Brisbane last year. Australia will get a fresh look at where they sit in the pecking order when they face NZ in their Pacific Four series opener at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday. Although Australia are a force when it comes to women's Sevens rugby, there's still much work to be done in the XV game. Palu would like Australia to play more games against the likes of top-tier nations NZ, England, Canada and France. "It's always special (facing NZ) because we know they're a quality side," Palu said. "But as we continue to grow the game, we need to make sure we play top-tier teams like them, so the more exposure and opportunities we have against them, the more likely of a chance we have of closing that gap." Australia warmed up for their Pacific Four campaign with a 43-7 win over Fijiana in Suva. But the victory came at a cost, with outside backs Maya Stewart (knee) and Bienne Terita (hamstring) ruled out. Stewart underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and could return in July, while Terita has also been ruled out of the Pacific Four back Caitlyn Halse will be sidelined for at least a week after injuring her hamstring at training in Newcastle. Wallaroos centre Georgina Friedrichs returns from a broken finger and will line up in the centres, while Sevens star Charlotte Caslick will start on the wing in Stewart's place. Caslick made her international XV debut off the bench against Fiji, and she's hoping to play a key role in Australia's World Cup campaign in England, which starts in August. Other Sevens stars who have been dabbling in the XV game - Tegan and Maddison Levi, Bella Nasser, Kahli Henwood and Sariah Paki - won't be available for the Pacific Four series following their recent participation in the LA Sevens. Demi Hayes is also out after sustaining a knee injury. NZ have named rising teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback for her international debut. Prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who underwent serious neck surgery last year, makes a return off the bench in her first Test since the Rugby World Cup in 2022. Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu has called for Australia to play more women's rugby games against top-tier nations as they attempt to close the gap on New Zealand. Women's international rugby is separated into three tiers, with Australia currently in tier two. NZ are among the powerhouses in tier one, having been crowned champions in six of the past seven World Cups. The Black Ferns hold an astounding 27-0 record against Australia in women's rugby, with the most recent meeting resulting in a whopping 62-0 win in Brisbane last year. Australia will get a fresh look at where they sit in the pecking order when they face NZ in their Pacific Four series opener at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday. Although Australia are a force when it comes to women's Sevens rugby, there's still much work to be done in the XV game. Palu would like Australia to play more games against the likes of top-tier nations NZ, England, Canada and France. "It's always special (facing NZ) because we know they're a quality side," Palu said. "But as we continue to grow the game, we need to make sure we play top-tier teams like them, so the more exposure and opportunities we have against them, the more likely of a chance we have of closing that gap." Australia warmed up for their Pacific Four campaign with a 43-7 win over Fijiana in Suva. But the victory came at a cost, with outside backs Maya Stewart (knee) and Bienne Terita (hamstring) ruled out. Stewart underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and could return in July, while Terita has also been ruled out of the Pacific Four back Caitlyn Halse will be sidelined for at least a week after injuring her hamstring at training in Newcastle. Wallaroos centre Georgina Friedrichs returns from a broken finger and will line up in the centres, while Sevens star Charlotte Caslick will start on the wing in Stewart's place. Caslick made her international XV debut off the bench against Fiji, and she's hoping to play a key role in Australia's World Cup campaign in England, which starts in August. Other Sevens stars who have been dabbling in the XV game - Tegan and Maddison Levi, Bella Nasser, Kahli Henwood and Sariah Paki - won't be available for the Pacific Four series following their recent participation in the LA Sevens. Demi Hayes is also out after sustaining a knee injury. NZ have named rising teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback for her international debut. Prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who underwent serious neck surgery last year, makes a return off the bench in her first Test since the Rugby World Cup in 2022. Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu has called for Australia to play more women's rugby games against top-tier nations as they attempt to close the gap on New Zealand. Women's international rugby is separated into three tiers, with Australia currently in tier two. NZ are among the powerhouses in tier one, having been crowned champions in six of the past seven World Cups. The Black Ferns hold an astounding 27-0 record against Australia in women's rugby, with the most recent meeting resulting in a whopping 62-0 win in Brisbane last year. Australia will get a fresh look at where they sit in the pecking order when they face NZ in their Pacific Four series opener at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday. Although Australia are a force when it comes to women's Sevens rugby, there's still much work to be done in the XV game. Palu would like Australia to play more games against the likes of top-tier nations NZ, England, Canada and France. "It's always special (facing NZ) because we know they're a quality side," Palu said. "But as we continue to grow the game, we need to make sure we play top-tier teams like them, so the more exposure and opportunities we have against them, the more likely of a chance we have of closing that gap." Australia warmed up for their Pacific Four campaign with a 43-7 win over Fijiana in Suva. But the victory came at a cost, with outside backs Maya Stewart (knee) and Bienne Terita (hamstring) ruled out. Stewart underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and could return in July, while Terita has also been ruled out of the Pacific Four back Caitlyn Halse will be sidelined for at least a week after injuring her hamstring at training in Newcastle. Wallaroos centre Georgina Friedrichs returns from a broken finger and will line up in the centres, while Sevens star Charlotte Caslick will start on the wing in Stewart's place. Caslick made her international XV debut off the bench against Fiji, and she's hoping to play a key role in Australia's World Cup campaign in England, which starts in August. Other Sevens stars who have been dabbling in the XV game - Tegan and Maddison Levi, Bella Nasser, Kahli Henwood and Sariah Paki - won't be available for the Pacific Four series following their recent participation in the LA Sevens. Demi Hayes is also out after sustaining a knee injury. NZ have named rising teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback for her international debut. Prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who underwent serious neck surgery last year, makes a return off the bench in her first Test since the Rugby World Cup in 2022.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bring on NZ: Wallaroos aim to bust 0-27 record
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu has called for Australia to play more women's rugby games against top-tier nations as they attempt to close the gap on New Zealand. Women's international rugby is separated into three tiers, with Australia currently in tier two. NZ are among the powerhouses in tier one, having been crowned champions in six of the past seven World Cups. The Black Ferns hold an astounding 27-0 record against Australia in women's rugby, with the most recent meeting resulting in a whopping 62-0 win in Brisbane last year. Australia will get a fresh look at where they sit in the pecking order when they face NZ in their Pacific Four series opener at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday. Although Australia are a force when it comes to women's Sevens rugby, there's still much work to be done in the XV game. Timing is everything 🤌Our next Test Match:🆚 Black Ferns🏟️ McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle🕓 Saturday 10 May | 3:00PM AEST📺 @StanSportAU #Wallaroos — Wallaroos (@WallaroosRugby) May 8, 2025 Palu would like Australia to play more games against the likes of top-tier nations NZ, England, Canada and France. "It's always special (facing NZ) because we know they're a quality side," Palu said. "But as we continue to grow the game, we need to make sure we play top-tier teams like them, so the more exposure and opportunities we have against them, the more likely of a chance we have of closing that gap." Australia warmed up for their Pacific Four campaign with a 43-7 win over Fijiana in Suva. But the victory came at a cost, with outside backs Maya Stewart (knee) and Bienne Terita (hamstring) ruled out. Stewart underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and could return in July, while Terita has also been ruled out of the Pacific Four series. Fellow back Caitlyn Halse will be sidelined for at least a week after injuring her hamstring at training in Newcastle. Wallaroos centre Georgina Friedrichs returns from a broken finger and will line up in the centres, while Sevens star Charlotte Caslick will start on the wing in Stewart's place. Caslick made her international XV debut off the bench against Fiji, and she's hoping to play a key role in Australia's World Cup campaign in England, which starts in August. Other Sevens stars who have been dabbling in the XV game - Tegan and Maddison Levi, Bella Nasser, Kahli Henwood and Sariah Paki - won't be available for the Pacific Four series following their recent participation in the LA Sevens. Demi Hayes is also out after sustaining a knee injury. NZ have named rising teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback for her international debut. Prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who underwent serious neck surgery last year, makes a return off the bench in her first Test since the Rugby World Cup in 2022.
RNZ News
04-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Wallaroos beat Fijiana 43-7 at the National Stadium in Suva
Fijiana centre Josivini Naihamu tries to run away from the Wallaroos defence on Saturday. Photo: FRU Media It was a hiding. The Australian Wallaroos just had too much power, initiative and skills as they pounded the Fijiana women's rugby team into submission in a 43-7 win at the National Stadium in Suva on Saturday. The rising Wallaroos led 31-7 at halftime, in the team's first-ever test played on Fijian soil. Fans who decided to stay back after watching the earlier Fijian Drua win over the Reds in the Super Rugby Pacific clash rooted for the team from the grandstand, as the locals scored first through captain Alfreda Fisher. But that was the only time they saw their national reps cross the Australian line. New head coach Ioan Cunningham said at the post-match conference he was happy with what some phases of the Fijiana play, as he looked forward to the Rugby World Cup later this year. "The performance showed real promise, determination, and resilience," he told the media in Suva. "Our strength today was how we carried the ball with purpose. We just need to sharpen our execution and decision-making." The Wallaroos, on the other hand, showed why they are going to be a threat at the world meet. Wallaroos captain Sikapesi Palu (second from left) and Fijiana captain Alfreda Smith, with the Vuvale Trophy flanker by Fiji Rugby board chairman John Sanday (left) and Australia Rugby chief Phil Waugh at the National Stadium in Suva. Photo: FRU Media Ranked sixth in the world, the Australians showcased their superior skill, structure, and fitness to cruise past a Fijiana side that, while physically committed, struggled with execution and pace over 80 minutes. Fijiana drew first blood by capitalising on an early Wallaroos yellow card, with Fisher crashing over on the 7th minute. But the Wallaroos responded swiftly through Caitlyn Haise, and from there, the momentum swung decisively in favour of the visitors. Two Bienne Terita tries, one from captain Siokapesi Palu, and Desiree Miller had the visitors up in the lead at halftime. The Wallaroos continued to control the second half with clinical efficiency, with Layne Morgan and replacement prop Tania Naden scoring tries in the second 40 to seal the game. Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu said her players were confident. "It was a slow start for us, but I think we grew into it," she said. "We wanted to play on our terms, fast and aggressive, and in some moments, we achieved that." Fijiana prop Ana Korovata battles on against the Wallaroos at the National Stadium, in the team's Test match on Saturday. Photo: FRU Media Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp praised his new players who featured in the test match. "We had a lot of new players and combinations, and it took a while to find our rhythm," he said. "The scrum was a real highlight for us today. Our debutants stood tall. "We were really pleased with the scrum, all the props did really well and we had some debutants there, and they stepped up and did a really good job. "I think for us the positive was the opportunity to give six new players in the set up with the Wallaroos, we've seen them perform really well at Super W so we need to see whether they can make that next step up and so it was great to see. We were a bit frustrated in parts of our game, but it was our first hit out, and on the whole, the girls stepped up well." He praised Tabua Tuinakauvadra, who had blood ties to Nadroga, for an outstanding performance in front of the local crowd and some relatives who were in the crowd. The 22-year-old was at number eight and proved to be a handful for the Fijiana players to handle. "One of our players had her homecoming tonight," he said of Tuinakauvadra. "She's not only inspiring future Wallaroos, but also the next generation of Fijian talent." The Wallaroos have won all four tests between them so far. However, the win was marred by injuries to two players heading into the Pacific Four series. Maya Stewart went off early with a non-contact knee injury, quickly followed by Bienne Terita after hurting her hamstring scoring her second try of the game. Both will head for scans when the side returns to Sydney, and could miss the team's test against New Zealand in Newcastle, Australia next week.
