Wallaroos number eight Tabua Tuinakauvadra is reaping the rewards of a breakout game against Wales as the backrower builds confidence in the Test arena.
Tuinakauvadra starred despite the last-minute loss in Newport, crossing for her first try in a performance that included five tackle busts, two line breaks and team-high metres (80m) and post-contact metres (59m)
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The 21-year-old has slowly built throughout the season after a strong year for the Brumbies as the young backrower fills the void left by the injured Piper Duck, set for another opportunity in Saturday (AEST) WXV 2's opener against the Welsh.
“Definitely a lot more confidence in myself that I can play good footy for 80 minutes and really back myself with how we want to play for the duration of the match," she told reporters.
“The try was just a little reward but being able to consistently push myself for the whole game is something that I really wanted to work towards and to be able to walk off the field feeling that I put myself on the line for my team is something that I was really proud of.”
Tuinakauvadra is sharing her rise alongside fellow Brumbies young star Faitala Moleka, who started both of the pre-WXV Tests against Ireland and the Welsh.
As the duo take on further responsibility in the squad, they were trying to find their voice and assert themselves within the team environment.
“We talk about our roles a lot and what we bring to the table when we do have these opportunities," she explained.
“(Faitala's) definitely got a lot more to show for it with how she trains and her knowledge and the type of player that she is. I think she has the IQ and the knowledge to really steer the team around the park. It's just a matter of her experience of putting her foot down.
“We’ve been telling each other that we're going to be a bit more firm in what we say and how we carry ourselves in the training sessions.
“The quote of the week has been no more Mr Nice Guy so as soon as we get on the field, we saw what we want and then as soon as we’re off, we’re having a little giggle.
“I think around our Brumbies teammates we’re a bit more comfortable in showing our emotions and telling people how it is so it’s about transferring it across to this team. There’s no emotion, just the message so it’s about believing in ourselves that we’re delivering the right message.”
Tuinakauvadra will carry further load after fellow backrower Leilani Nathan was ruled out for the rest of the competition with a knee injury.
Australia A standout Ruby Anderson will join the squad after a strong outing against Samoa.
