Six-try thrashing triggers Wallaroos alarm bells

Costly errors will need to be fixed in time for the Wallaroos’ 2025 World Cup campaign as the Aussies suffer a 36-10 thrashing against Ireland in Belfast.
The unrecognisable ninth-ranked Irish crossed for six tries to dismiss returning Aussie Maya Stewart’s efforts, sending a fierce warning signs to rivals.
A thriller opening 13 minutes saw the hosts trade points with the Aussies before producing a three-try onslaught to take a 17-5 lead at halftime.
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Returning to Ireland’s back row for the first time in two years, Eimear Considine combined with Eve Higgins and Aoife Wafer to cross ahead of the halftime break.
Aoife Wafer of Ireland, left, celebrates with teammates Edel McMahon and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe after scoring her side’s second try. Sportsfile via Getty Images
The hosts held just under 70% of possession across the match, while unforced errors quickly derailed Australia’s attack as they attempted to build momentum.
Ireland took advantage of the mistakes to work their way down the field via Rugby Sevens star Eve Higgins to score.
Australia remained at second best as Cliodhna Moloney and Wafer crossed to extend the lead and seal the results.
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“It was unforced errors from the Wallaroos that allowed Ireland to really take control of the game,” rugby sevens gold medallist Chloe Dalton said on Wide World of Sports.
“Seeing Maya Stuart return from injury and crossing the line twice was a really positive sign for the Wallaroos.”
Maya Stewart (r) reacts following the Women’s international test match defeat. Getty
Former Wallabies star Morgan Turinui added: “They couldn’t get out of their own zone for large parts of the game.
“There is lots of rugby for the Wallaroos in the lead up to next year’s World Cup to help them improve.”
But for coach Jo Yapp, the result prompted alarm bells as the side prepares to face a fierce Welsh line on Saturday, September 21.
“On the whole, we were a bit disappointed with our energy out there,” she told media post-match.
“We’re excited to bounce back next week. These two games [against Ireland and Wales] are a good opportunity to see what we’ve got.”
Jo Yapp head coach of the Wallaroos speaks to players after their defeat. Getty
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu remained hopeful her team could rectify their errors.
“We’re still building a new team and combination,” she said post-match.
“Our attacking breakdown needs to improve because we can’t unleash our backline without securing that ball.
“We’re still building and there were positives in how we’re scanning. The next part is just the execution of it.”