Clinical Wallaroos build World Cup momentum with thumping Wales win

Fri, Aug 1, 2025, 10:50 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallaroos will head into the Rugby World Cup full of momentum after a 36-5 win over Wales.

It was a stark contrast from last week's defeat in Brisbane as the Australians handled the wet conditions at North Sydney Oval in style.

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Number eight Tabua Tuinakauvadra led the way with a double as the physical Wallaroos outmatched the Welsh up front.

The Welsh were pushing the tempo early as they put the hosts under major pressure in the first half.

The visitors had close to 70% territory and possession, and they were parked inside the Wallaroos' half.

It forced some desperate defence from the Aussies, and they struck with their first entry into the 22 via try-scoring freak Maya Stewart.

Stewart strolled over the line after a lovely looping cutout ball from returning fullback Caitlyn Halse.

The sheer weight of territory and possession for Wales eventually delivered their first points as milestone woman Jasmine Joyce slid her way over just before the half-hour mark.

But in the story of the first half, it was the clinical Australians that had the upper hand on the scoreboard as Faitala Moleka dummied and crashed over.

A late try in the half for hooker Katalina Amosa extended the Wallaroos' lead to 21-5 at the break as they were rolling, breaking the Welsh spirit.

Tuinakauvadra added to the advantage after the break, after the number eight powered over the line.

The Welsh had no answer for the hosts, and the task became even harder when prop Gwenllian Pyrs was sin-binned for a deliberate knockdown after a brutal, electric break from Desiree Miller.

Tuinakauvadra made them pay for her second of the night, rampaging her way to the try-line.

From here, the Australians were in full control as they cruised home for victory, sealing it with a late try to Ash Marsters, her second denied for obstruction that would've been the record win over Wales.

The dominant win ensures the Wallaroos celebrate Jo Yapp's last game in style in Australia as the team prepares to name their World Cup squad on Monday.

Wallaroos 36 (Stewart, Moleka, Amosa, Tuinakauvadra 2, Marsters tries; Wood 3 cons) def Wales 5 (Joyce tries)

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