Wallaroos to turn tables on Ireland in Belfast

Sat, Aug 19, 2017, 6:13 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Nareta Masters and the Wallaroos have touched down in Belfast. Photo: ARU Media/Brendan Hertel
Nareta Masters and the Wallaroos have touched down in Belfast. Photo: ARU Media/Brendan Hertel

The Wallaroos are ready to reverse the two point loss to Ireland, as they prepare to face the host nation once again in the fifth place semi final.

The first clash between these two teams was a thrilling affair, with Ireland's set piece and general physicality around the park the difference.

Now, with a win under their belt, Wallaroos skipper Sharni Williams believes her team has what it takes to turn a two point loss into a win.

"The pool matches were really tough," Williams said.

"Getting that win over Japan was what we needed, going into this next round, the semis.

"I keep talking about that belief and trust that we need to instil in the team and I think that game definitely gave it to us.

"Now we are even hungrier to top off Ireland.

"Losing to them by two points in the pool rounds means we have got that trust, belief and desire to go out there and win this game."

Williams captained the side for the first time against Japan and was also awarded Players' Player in the aftermath of the win.

"That was pretty unreal," she said.

"The girls really rallied behind me.Williams led the Wallaroos against Japan. Photo: ARU Media/Brendan Hertel"Being out of position was a bit tough on me but the girls trusted in my decisions and I really had to step up and fill some amazing shoes with Shannon Parry obviously being ruled out.

"To have the girls pick me as Players' Player, that was pretty cool."

There are a couple of sore bodies among the squad as they arrive in Belfast today, with a quick turnaround into Tuesday night's semi final against the host nation.

"We have an extra day off and we really need that extra day for rest and recovery," Williams said.

"It's actually quite a quick turnaround.

"We had a massive hitout against Japan, it was very physical and there were a couple of sore bodies so we really have to do those one percenters that will get us ready to take on Ireland."

The Wallaroos take on Ireland on Tuesday night, kicking off at 11pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

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