RECAP: The Wallaroos have proven too strong for a 33-15 win over Fijiana in Canberra.
It starts their season on a high and the Sam Needs era as interim coach on a positive note as they retain the Vuvale Bowl.
Watch every second of the Wallaroos 2026 season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Debutant Nicole Ledington struck first for the Aussies as they took a 14-0 lead before the visitors hit back.
The two sides traded tries in the second half as the execution issues almost came back to haunt them.
But the hosts proved their class late in the game, with wingers Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller sealing the win.
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Wallaroos 33-15: Desiree Miller seals the win with a diving effort in the corner.
The winger had plenty to do after the long ball from Georgina Friedrichs but the crafty flyer finishes it off on a high.
Wallaroos 28-15: The frustration has shown for Fiji as Salanieta Kinita goes to the bin for a deliberate knock down.
It comes with the Wallaroos a metre from the goal-line, looking to end on a high.
Wallaroos 28-15: The Wallaroos have just done enough as they come away with another ruck penalty inside Fiji's half.
It allows them to press for further points with the time running out.
Wallaroos 28-15: My word, the Wallaroos have gotten away with one there.
Faitala Moleka tries to clear her line and is charged down by Lomani, who is an acre of space but can't collect the ball cleanly, basically dropping it over the line.
Wallaroos 28-15: The Wallaroos are taking the pace out of the game as they try to break down Fiji.
They get themselves well inside their half, only for the ball to the edge to hit the ground for a knock on.
Wallaroos 28-15: Fijiana looked to have answered back as they dive over the line.
However, the TMO spots a clear knock on in the build-up and this is coming back
Wallaroos 28-15: The combination of Georgina Friedrichs and Maya Stewart delivers as the winger dives over in the corner.
It comes after a powerful rolling maul that treks 20 metres down the field, with quick hands putting the winger into space for the five pointer.
Wallaroos 21-15: Unreal work from Nicole Ledington saves the Wallaroos blushes as they're burnt on the counter attack.
Josivini Neihamu races clear from her 22 and runs 60 metres, dragged down by the flyhalf, with Sid Taylor again there for the turnover.
Walalroos 21-15: Coach Sam Needs turns to his bench as Lily Bone comes on for her debut to replace Emily Chancellor.
Michaela Leonard also comes on, replacing Kaitlan Leaney, with Eva Karpani on shortly afterwards for Bridie O'Gorman.
Wallaroos 21-15: Fijiana have hit straight back as they power over through Josivini Neihamu.
The try is created off a break from Kolora Lomani, with the visitors working the numbers for the try.
Wallaroos 21-10: Siokapesi Palu Sekona delivers for her side as the captain plants it down.
Maya Stewart again breaks the line to give the Aussies momentum on their return to full numbers, with the switch to the other wing putting the back-rower one-on-one to extend the lead.
First chance for the Wallaroos as Desi Miller and Georgina Friedrichs come on for the hosts for Brooklyn Teki-Joyce and Cecilia Smith.
Walalroos 14-10: The Wallaroos are holding on as they survive down a player.
Fijiana work inside the 22 and look to have numbers, but they cough it up.
Wallaroos 14-10: Carletta Yee crashes over from close as the visitors take advantage from close.
The Fijianas keep in tight and back their forwards, with Yee the one to cross under the sticks.
Wallaroos 14-3: Brianna Hoy is off for ten after a clear high tackle on half way.
Hoy collects Repeka Tove high coming across to cover, with the prop now facing a nervous wait to see if it's upgraded.
Wallaroos 14-3: The Fijiana are properly on a roll now as Merewairita Neivosa breaks clear and into the 22.
But Sidney Taylor shows off the Sevens skills to nab the ball and come up with the turnover.
Wallaroos 14-3: Litiana Vueti adds first points for the visitors via the boot.
The Wallaroos are pinged for offisde and the fullback slots the kick from just over the 22.
Wallaroos 14-0: A bit of luck for prop Bridie O'Gorman as the front-rower dives on the loose ball for the five pointer.
It comes after a Maya Stewart break puts the Aussies on the line. Fellow prop Bri Hoy tries to find Kaitlan Leaney close to the line and it's patted down by the visitors, with O'Gorman there to dive on the ball over the line.
Wallaroos 7-0: The visitors are starting to get a bit of momentum as they enjoy some valuable field position.
They win a key penalty to kick just outside of the 22 as they pressure the Wallaroos' line
Wallaroos 7-0: The Wallaroos are trying to extend their lead but again, execution is hurting them.
They win the lineout five metres out but Fiji wisely chose to contest and force the hand for a not straight call.
Wallaroos 7-0: Nicole Ledington, welcome to Test footy!
The flyhalf shows her class with a lovely show and go to break the line from nothing, stepping to beat the fullback and score a great solo try.
The Wallaroos are all over the Fijians but can't make the final pass stick.
Maya Stewart races into space but can't find her other winger Brooklyn Teki-Joyce.
Emily Chancellor then drops the ball right at the line after they win the turnover.
The Aussies can't covert the pressure after back-to-back lineouts on Fiji's five metre line.
The first one is pinged for a Fijian penalty for side entry but the Aussies are denied a certain try after referee Amber McLachlan rules obstruction as they settled the maul.
Early signs that Fijiana are here to play as they work the play inside the 22.
But a great ruck steal from Faitala Moleka forces the penalty and allows the relieving kick for touch.
The anthems are sung and this game is ready to get underway.
Debutant Nicole Ledington kicks the ball long from the kick-off as the Wallaroos look to start their season on a bright note.
Early nerves from Force teammate Brooklyn Teki-Joyce as she drops the ball close to halfway and we'll have our first scrum of the game.
Tries: Ledington, O'Gorman, Palu Sekona, Stewart, Miller
Cons: Wood 4/4, Miller 0/1
Pens:
Tries: Yee, Neihamu
Cons: Vueti 1/2
Pens: Vueti 1/1
Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage of the Wallaroos' first Test of 2026 against Fijiana.
Conditions have drastically improved since earlier in the day, with the torrential rain from earlier in the day clearing. It's expected to be clear throughout the game, with cool temperatures welcoming both sides.
Australia have won the toss and will kick-off, running north to south.
Plenty to watch for in regards to the Wallaroos, but a keen eye on Sidney Taylor, who's reportedly been impressive since joining from the Sevens.
WALLAROOS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Adiana Talakai, Bridie O’Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Ash Fernandez, Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c), Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck, Samantha Wood, Nicole Ledington, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Cecilia Smith, Sidney Taylor, Maya Stewart, Faitala Moleka
Replacements: Brittany Merlo, Faliki Pohiva, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard, Lily Bone, Piper Simons, Georgina Friedrichs, Desiree Miller
FIJIANA (1-15): Karalaini Naisewa, Bitila Tawake (c), Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Carletta Yee, Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher, Manuqalo Komaitai, Kolora Lomani, Salanieta Kinita, Silika Qalo, Josivini Neihamu, Merewairita Neivoha, Repeka Tove, Litiana Vueti
Replacements: Keleni Marawa, Zipporah Sorokacika, Adi Keri Lawavou, Sulita Waisega, Adi Salaseini Railumu, Evivi Senikarivi, Ivamere Rokowati, Vika Nakacia
Referee: Amber McLachlan (RA)
Assistant Referees: Chloe Sampson (NZR) & Erin Doherty (NZR)
TMO: Rachel Horton (RA)
FPRO: Graham Cooper (RA)
The Wallaroos' clash with Fiji will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 4:30 pm (AEDT) with kickoff expected at 4:55 pm.
The game will also be shown on free-to-air television on 9Gem, with coverage beginning at 4:30 pm
