The Wallaroos have finalised their 2024 fixture list, which will see them play five matches throughout September and October 2024.
Hot off their record loss to the Black Ferns at Ballymore, Jo Yapp’s side will be desperate to turn their form around and recapture some of the confidence on display in their big win over Fiji – and they will face several strong opportunities to do so.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 06: Desiree Miller of the Wallaroos celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the women’s International Test match between Australia Wallaroos and Fiji at Allianz Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Kicking off in Belfast, the Wallaroos will face Ireland – a team ranked lower than them but who have enjoyed good form, with a strong 2024 Six Nations campaign that saw them qualify for WXV1 – on September 14th.
Following this, the Wallaroos will come up against fellow WXV2 qualifiers Wales in Newport – the first time the two sides have played in Wales, on September 21st.
The Wallaroos have yet to drop a match against Wales, however, Wales sit in a similar position to Australia, having just commenced a fully professional program – with the last two fixtures between the two sides decided by less than a converted try.
Finally, Jo Yapp’s side will head to South Africa for WXV2, a competition that will likely see them as heavy contenders. They will face Wales for the second time in as many weeks (September 28) at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, before fixtures at Athlone Stadium against South Africa (October 6) and Scotland (October 13) bring their campaign to a close.
It will conclude the Wallaroos’ busiest single calendar year ever outside of their 2021 World Cup year, with ten test matches in total – and in a strong reflection of the growing program, is only one test match shy of the eleven test matches the Wallaroos throughout all of the Nineties.
It will be a gruelling campaign for Jo Yapp’s side, but one that could see them carve out their own slice of history in the program – the Wallaroos have never won more than two games in a row, and with every fixture seeing them up against sides ranked lower than them in the World Rankings, there will be hope the side can finish the year in strong form.
There is also the fact to consider that a 2025 World Cup spot is also on the line.
“We are at the halfway point of the year in terms of number of Tests played and overall there has been some great strides made, despite results not reflecting that on the scoreboard,” said Yapp in a press statement.
“The Test matches against Ireland and Wales on their home turf will provide us with key preparation before WXV, which is going to give the players fresh opposition to play and further development as a team to improve.
“We cannot underestimate the challenge WXV will provide the players. The time away as a group will give us a great opportunity to develop both on and off the field as we build towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.”
The fixture list, especially the Wales friendly, has also been welcomed by National High Performance Manager Jaime Fernandez.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to play Wales in September at Rodney Parade.
“Both Test matches support our desire to be appropriately prepared for WXV in South Africa and in the long-term the Rugby World Cup in 2025.
“So much of what we are endeavouring to achieve in the Wallaroos environment is to build experience, knowledge and provide opportunity for our players to experience what is unique and exciting about the global game of Rugby.
“Giving the team exposure to high-level international games, including how to manage long haul travel and northern hemisphere playing conditions, is imperative if we are to grow as a squad.”
The Wallaroos are currently enjoying a few weeks off, however, will reconvene for training camp in August, before departing Australia on September 4th.
Jo Yapp’s dream lead the Wallaroos into the top four is still alive. Photo: Rugby Australia
WALLAROOS AWAY TEST SCHEDULE
- Saturday 14 September: Ireland v Australia – Kingspan Stadium, Belfast, Time TBC
- Saturday 21 September: Wales v Australia – Rodney Parade, Newport, 4:00am (AEST)
WALLAROOS WXV SCHEDULE
- Saturday 28 September: Australia v Wales – DHL Stadium, Cape Town, 8:30pm (AEST)
- Sunday 6 October: South Africa v Australia – Athlone Stadium, Cape Town, 1:00am (AEST)
- Sunday 13 October: Australia v Scotland – Athlone Stadium, Cape Town, 2:00am (AEST)
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