Williams leads the way for Wallaroos

Mon, Jun 12, 2017, 1:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Australia Women's Sevens co-captain Sharni Williams is back in the fifteen women version of the game and loving it. Williams brings a wealth of playing knowledge but also has experience being a professional player which will rub off on the group.

The 15-woman game gave Sharni Williams her start in Australian rugby and ahead of the clash with the Black Ferns, the Australian Women's Sevens co-captain is ready to give back.

Williams has joined the team ahead of tomorrow's clash with New Zealand, her first foray into 15s since the 2014 World Cup.

After a muddy first training session, Williams expressed her delight at the raised standard and the professionalism in the program run by coach Paul Verrell.

"It's been awesome to get amongst some different faces and to see the culture side of things," Williams said.

"Being amateurs, it's been really good to see these girls step up and be professional and to take this in their stride.Williams ripped in at training yesterday. Photo: ARU Media/Brendan Hertel"It's awesome to be able to come back and give back to the game that got me where I am today.

"Rugby has given me so much as a country girl that is now able to lead a side and lead my country.

"It's given me so much so I wanted to be able to step back into the 15s and give back to the girls and show them what I've learned, as well as picking up a few things from them as well."

Williams was particularly impressed with the team's attitude following a tough loss to England, particularly the way in which the team has addressed areas that need work.

"They've had analysis, which is pretty new to them and I think they've picked up really well," she said.

"They have taken accountability.Williams is 'psyched' to be back playing 15s. Photo: ARU Media/Brendan Hertel"If they didn't do their job last time, they are going to do it properly the next time and it's about training to fix that."

Facing the Red Roses on Friday was a tough task for the team's first Test of 2017 but the standard of play required won't be any lower against the Black Ferns.

Australia has never beaten New Zealand in a Women's Test and this team is out to change that.

"It's going to be a massive test for us," Williams said.

"But we've got the ticker and we've got the desire to go out and give it everything that they can.

"We're always the underdogs - we know that - so it's all about the intent and desire to be ready to go out there and rip in.

"I'm so psyched to get out there with the girls."

The Wallaroos face the Black Ferns tomorrow afternoon, kicking off at 12:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on worldrugby.org.

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