The Wallaroos secured a convincing 43-7 victory over Fiji on Saturday in Suva, marking their inaugural win of the Vuvale Bowl in a historic women’s Test on Fijian soil. However, this triumph was overshadowed by serious injuries to key players that have raised alarms for coach Jo Yapp.
The match saw a concerning moment in the 19th minute when star winger Maya Stewart fell to the ground with a significant knee injury during a non-contact play after executing a pass. Stewart, who previously sustained a serious ACL injury in 2022, was visibly in pain and required a lengthy assessment before leaving the field limping.
Adding to the woes, centre Bienne Terita also faced an injury, pulling her hamstring after scoring two tries. Her exit forced newcomer Charlotte Caslick to step in. The Wallaroos officials confirmed both players will undergo scans to ascertain the extent of their injuries.
Yapp commented on the situation, expressing her concern and highlighting the emotional impact on the team. “Both players are going to be checked out properly medically… Everyone feels for them, especially with the World Cup approaching,” she remarked.
Despite these setbacks, the match highlighted some promising play from the Wallaroos. After Fijian captain Alfreda Fisher opened the scoring, Australia dominated the game, with tries from fullback Caitlyn Halse, captain Siokapesi Palu, winger Desiree Miller, halfback Layne Morgan, and hooker Tania Naden showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
Looking ahead, the Wallaroos now face a significant challenge as they prepare to compete against world champions New Zealand in the Pacific Four Series opener next Saturday. Palu noted the importance of the win and the growth of the team, acknowledging Fiji’s physicality and the positive contributions from several debutants.
As the Wallaroos celebrate their victory, the focus will now shift to the health of Stewart and Terita as they aim for a successful journey towards the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.