'Amazing energy': Wallaroos out to celebrate Marsters equalling record with South Africa win

Thu, Oct 3, 2024, 8:15 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallaroos face Wales to open their WXV2 campaign in Cape Town.

The Wallaroos are looking to celebrate Ash Marsters in style as they refuse to take South Africa lightly ahead of Sunday's (AEST) second WXV 2 match.

The Wallaroos flanker will equal the record for the most appearances set by Liz Patu (33 caps) this weekend in Cape Town, having debuted a decade ago in 2014.

Watch the Wallaroos tackle South Africa live and exclusively on Stan Sport.

"Ash just comes with amazing energy in everything she does," coach Jo Yapp said.

"She really supports the younger players in the squad and to see her reach this in the style she has, she's been playing amazing Rugby for us.

"She's such an attacking threat so just really pleased for us."

Marsters has competition breathing down her neck in a settled Wallaroos squad outside of injury.

Replacement Trileen Pomare was equal with Marsters heading into the tour before a slight injury niggle ruled her out.

Captain Michaela Leonard brought up 30 caps last week whilst Eva Kaprani is set to hit the mark this week.

Yapp was focused on building combinations ahead of next year's bumper schedule headlined by the 2025 World Cup.

"I think previously in the year we've moved players around and we've looked to get more depth in the squad," she explained.

"Now we're in the competition, I think consistency, especially across the forwards, is really important and those girls that are in that squad have stepped up and they played really well so we wanna stick with them at the moment.

The Wallaroos were refusing to buy into their own hype as title contenders as the focus remains on not overlooking a South African side on the rise.

"There's been no consistency or complacency at all. We know that we need to back it up with another big performance," Yapp added.

"We know South Africa are on the up. They've been in a programme now that's full time for three years and they've had some big results this year no less beating the Barbarians, which is no mean feat.

"We're definitely not taking them lightly. They're a very physical side and they come with different challenges to what we've faced."

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