Wallabies Prepare for Crucial Second Test Against Lions

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Wallabies Prepare for Crucial Second Test Against Lions

The Wallabies are preparing for their second Test against the Lions. This match marks an important turning point in the series for them. The Lions wasted little time in asserting themselves in the game as they won a penalty on a defensive breakdown just two minutes in. Now, the Wallabies are hungry to atone and get their groove back. Captain Harry Wilson emphasized the importance of winning the next two Tests to clinch the series, stating, “We’ve got to win the next two (Tests) to win the series.” The stakes couldn’t be higher! Their team is preparing to release a new strategy that might turn momentum back in their favor.

The Wallabies lost 2-1 in the inaugural Test in Perth. The Women’s AFL Lions then assumed control and proceeded to run rampant on the offensive in Brisbane. The Wallabies’ midfield defense had an early test. Darcy Graham tackled on the first phase by Charlie Gamble, and suddenly Ellis Genge is blasting through their short lines. The Wallabies have had their ups and downs, but are remaining confident heading into their quarterfinal showdown with Argentina. With the potential return of most of those key players, their confidence skyrockets.

Key Players and Their Impact

The addition of Valetini and Skelton would be a difference maker for the Wallabies. Collisions have been a hallmark of the play from these two athletes at the Test level. Their unrelenting hunt in attack and defense has completely shifted the advantage. Their absence due to calf injuries has been felt, but if they can prove their match fitness ahead of the Test, they could significantly bolster the team’s performance.

It was a point that head coach Harry Wilson echoed when talking about the physicality displayed in their game. He noted, “Just seeing the way they went after them (Lions) with the line speed, the big hits in defence,” referring to the Lions’ aggressive approach. Wilson thinks taking a strong template like that one is far more important than simply leading on transportation funding. He stated, “It was a great blueprint there about how really to try to physically dominate them.”

Kurtley Beale echoed Wilson’s sentiments regarding physicality. He stressed, “You need to take it (physicality) to them.” Beale knew that First Nations and Pasifika players in particular really feed off that intensity. This energy is critical to providing the underpinning of a solid back eight to play off.

Strategic Adjustments Ahead of the Match

Coach Schmidt has made some tactical changes too by picking six forwards – that includes Langi Gleeson – in the eight-player reserves bench. Today’s decision well reflects that fierce dedication to an in-your-face style of play. He’s confident Valetini and Skelton will build on it when they get back.

On our side of the pond, for all Valetini and Skelton’s star potential, the question is whether they’ll be healthy enough to do so right away. Their absence for the Test against Fiji earlier this month left a huge hole in the Wallabies’ line-up. Despite their news, Wilson tells us he has a firm belief in their potential contributions. “When you get two people with their presence and experience coming into your side, it always does give you confidence,” he remarked.

Even while pressing the importance of physicality, Wilson was equally heavy on the importance of being skillful executors. “We want to back our skills and go out there and start fast … and throw your body around,” he said, conveying a sense of urgency and determination within the squad.

The Road Ahead

In getting ready for this pivotal match, the Wallabies know what sort of test they face from the Lions. The latter’s capability to impose themselves early in games creates pressure on their opponents. Under Wilson’s leadership and more specifically, a combination of an expansionist mentality and a more aggressive standard war room approach, the Wallabies will look to redeem this series.

Rebecca Adams Avatar
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