Arguably, one positive that came out of the Wallabies’ last-minute loss to the British and Irish Lions is that there was minimal review and commentary on the Wallaroos’ loss to Wales.
In the preview it was highlighted that Wales had had a revamp, new coach, new captain, debutants and that a comfortable Wallaroos win like the last time they met was very unlikely.
Wales celebrate victory during the match between Australian Wallaroos and Wales Women at Ballymore Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Wales had seven players 21 or under and had three debutants, yet deserved the 21-12 win and played better rugby. While it was expected their forwards would be tough, it was their backs that showed up and looked good.
For most of the game, their backline looked better than the Wallaroos’, who played their worst game in a while.
A few weeks out from the World Cup, this was not a game they should lose. They did start pretty well and played very positively – the first 10 minutes or so before the weather break, they looked mighty slick.
The Wallaroos had a try disallowed and scored a try. Things were looking good. Post weather break, Wales started to improve and led 14-12 at halftime. In the second half, Wales looked more composed, while the Wallaroos just could not hold the ball or convert any entries into the Welsh 22.
Wales scored two minutes into the second half to take the lead to 21-12. The Wallaroos had 38 minutes to claw back the lead, but were unable to score a point in the second half.
It was fun to watch the two pocket rocket wingers Desiree Miller and Jasmine Joyce-Butchers up against each other. In the end, the battle finished even.
What went well? The forwards fronted up and got over the gain line, the scrum was solid, the Wallaroos missed fewer tackles than Wales. The Wallaroos probably did not get the credit for their scrum dominance from the referee, but that happens.
The team’s effort cannot be denied. Improvements for next time? The handling was not good and the ball was dropped or turned over constantly.
Often a forward got over the gain line but then lost the ball or a pass was pushed. The Wallaroos conceded way too many turnovers, and the lineout was poor, as they lost five of 14 lineouts, including the final play of the match.
An interesting line from AAP’s game report: “All three of their tries in Brisbane were scored by the backs while both of Australia’s five-pointers came from close-range forward carries.” Quite the reverse of what you would expect in an Australia vs Wales match-up. The backline has not been clicking this season.
When the Wallaroos needed to score points late in the game, the bench was unable to spark something. All three bench backs are very solid players, but they are not going to create something or make a break to score. If the Wallaroos were leading, they would do a good job of closing out a game.
It will be intriguing to see what coach Jo Yapp does for Friday’s return match at North Sydney Oval. As a lead-up to the World Cup it seems like a must-win match.
NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 10: Jo Yapp, Head Coach of the Wallaroos, looks on in the huddle during the Pacific Four Series International Match between Australia Wallaroos and New Zealand Black Ferns at McDonald Jones Stadium on May 10, 2025 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Robbie Stephenson/Getty Images)
In the forwards, it would be good to know who coach Yapp sees as her first-choice front row. Four players have played loosehead in six games, and there have been different tight heads. Lock Michaela Leonard would be expected to come back, and maybe that will help with the lineout. There could be consideration in starting Piper Duck in the backrow. Otherwise, not too many changes and not many really needed. Just ensure all the forwards have superglue on their hands.
As for the backs, they have not really been firing this season. I’m not sure what a quick solution is or if there is one. A bit more leadership would be handy. Currently, there seems to be a lot of reliance on Caitlyn Halse. To be fair, they have also been missing some power in the back line without Maya Stewart and Bienne Terita. Having rested, Faitala Moleka will come in at 10. Last week, it was indicated that Maya Stewart would get a run this week, probably off the bench. Like the forwards at this late stage, there are not too many options to make changes.
We just have to forget last weekend’s game and get a win on Friday. It is the last game before the World Cup squad is announced on Monday August 4. The squad is pretty much locked in with only a couple of decisions to be made. The only real questions are around the injured players. How many injured or returning from injury players do you risk taking?
