BUILDCORP WALLAROOS CLAIM FIRST WIN ON NEW ZEALAND TOUR

Oct 18 • General News, International • 1112 Views • Comments Off on BUILDCORP WALLAROOS CLAIM FIRST WIN ON NEW ZEALAND TOUR

The Buildcorp Wallaroos have claimed a come-from-behind victory against the Auckland Storm 21-19 on Tuesday afternoon in their first game of their three-match tour of New Zealand.

The Australian team took the lead for the first time at the 73rd minute mark after coming back from an 11-point deficit to defeat the Auckland Storm.

Tries to Alisha Hewett, Sarah Riordan and Nareta Marsters sealed the victory for the young Wallaroos side that included 11 uncapped players for Australia.

The final moment of pressure came down to flyhalf Chloe Leaupepe who calmly kicked a penalty to give the Wallaroos the lead which they held for the final moments of the match.

Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach Paul Verrell: “It was a hard game, being the first time we had played together this year. We were a bit shell shocked in that first half. They put us under pressure leading into half time but it was a good fight back from us.

“I’m glad we’ve got the win and it has given us the experience. It’s also given us a few selection headaches leading in to naming the side for Saturday, which is good to have.

“Sarah Riordan had a great game at fullback and she is putting pressure on that position, Mollie Gray had a great game and got us across the advantage line and Chloe Leaupepe played well and kicked the final penalty goal to get us the win.”

The Buildcorp Wallaroos’ next challenge will be taking on the Black Ferns at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday evening. The Wallaroos have never beaten their New Zealand counterparts.

The match will be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and online radio call via www.abc.net.au/grandstand from 3pm.

Australia 21 (Tries; A Hewett, S Riordan, N Marsters; pens; C Leaupepe 2) defeated Auckland 19 (Tries; Willoughby, Salamo-Tuuam, Taufateau; Cons Jensen 2)