The upcoming Test clash between the Fijiana and the Wallaroos at Allianz Stadium in Sydney is expected to be a fierce encounter. Former Fijian Drua captain, Bitila Tawake, who is making a return after a period of rehabilitation, shared her anticipation for the tough match ahead.
“It’s been tough watching from the sidelines,” Tawake said. “It tested my patience as I had to do my rehab properly. I had to trust the system.”
Tawake emphasized the strength of the Wallaroos, noting that they will face players familiar from the Super W, now united in one team.
Meanwhile, Wallaroos halfback Layne Morgan expressed her team’s determination to improve their Test record against the Fijians. The Wallaroos have yet to secure a victory this year, having faced defeats against Canada, USA, and New Zealand in the Pacific Four campaign.
Morgan, 25, believes that now is the perfect time to showcase their development under coach Jay Tregonning. “We always have pride in ourselves and we know our capabilities. We know our rugby is gonna get better and better the more we put into it, and you can see that every girl wants to strive for that and every girl is so passionate about the game,” Morgan said.
“We do think we can win these games. We do believe in ourselves. It’s just unfortunately the ebbs and flows of rugby, the wins and losses, but I definitely think that we’ll come back out absolutely ready to smash Fiji.”
Morgan is also focused on nurturing the next generation of Wallaroos, pointing out the growing interest in women’s rugby. “When I was growing up, I didn’t even know what a Wallaroo was so to be able to show them that they have something to see and have someone to be is so important.”
Morgan anticipates substantial growth in the sport by 2029 but acknowledges the need to support current players to ensure a bright future.
Poised to start as the halfback, Morgan’s experience and recent Super W success with NSW will be crucial against a Fijiana team that remains undefeated from their Oceania Championships campaign. Morgan also plans to adapt her game to include more kicking, based on her reflections from Super W performances.
“I think bringing in that kicking game is something that I don’t normally do throughout Super W so that’s something that we’re looking to introduce into my game personally,” Morgan noted. “And then just building on those little nine skills—having that run, pass, kick option—and having all three threats.”