Wales may be WXV1 cellar-dwellers but Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard is under no illusions about the challenge facing her side on Friday afternoon.
The Wallaroos enter tomorrow’s clash at Mount Smart Stadium (5pm AEDT kick off) as favourites following last week’s 29-20 win over France and a win could see them finish high as second in the inaugural WXV1 (pending other results).
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Although Wales are yet to register a competition point after successive losses to Canada (42-22) and New Zealand (70-7), the memory of last year’s 13-7 slugfest in Whangarei has stuck with Leonard.
“It was a physical fight, and it was a strong contest for the whole 80,” Leonard said on their Rugby World Cup clash.
“Definitely coming into this weekend expecting the same and knowing they’re going to put on a good show and be rearing to pick themselves back up after last week’s game.
“We’re expecting it to be a really tough battle through the middle of the field with a lot of skill.”
Despite posting just one try against the Black Ferns last week, Wales pose attacking threats across the park with explosive prop Sisilia Tuipulotu and fullback Jasmin Joyce among their gamebreakers.
Leonard said shutting down the Welsh counterattack had been a feature of the week’s preparation.
“We’ve identified their ability powering out of their D zone in transition, so we’re aware of that and making sure that we built on our kick chase and connection throughout the week.
“(We’re) making sure we’re a solid gold wall and stopping anyone from getting out of their exit zone.”
Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning has made five changes to the side that beat France last week, including the return of Maya Stewart to the right wing and experienced trio Ashley Marsters, Bridie O’Gorman and Lori Cramer on the pine. Brumbies halfback Jay Huriwai has also joined the matchday squad to shore up Australia’s ruck defence.
Australia kick off their final WXV1 clash against Wales on Friday 3 November at 5pm AEDT LIVE on Stan Sport.
