Australia’s Wallaroos are optimistic about the fitness of star winger Desiree Miller as they prepare for a crucial match against the United States on October 7, 2023. Miller, who scored a remarkable hat-trick in a dominant 73-0 victory over Samoa, left the field late in the game after a head-to-head collision. Her recovery is vital for the Wallaroos’ ambitions at the Rugby World Cup.
The 23-year-old Miller showcased her extraordinary speed and agility, securing her hat-trick within the first 33 minutes of the Pool A encounter. Her performance was not only pivotal in the match against Samoa but also underscored her importance to the team’s strategy moving forward. Despite her impressive showing, concern arose when Miller was injured due to a reckless challenge from Melina Grace Salale, who received a red card for the incident.
The Wallaroos are eagerly awaiting confirmation regarding Miller’s condition after she underwent head injury assessment protocols. Coach Jo Yapp provided an update, stating, “She’s a little bit cut in and around her mouth, but she’s in good spirits and doing well. As it stands, she’s going through the HIA process, but it’s looking positive for the moment.”
Wallaroos’ Dominance Against Samoa
The match against Samoa served as a crucial warm-up for the Wallaroos, who demonstrated their strength and tactical prowess on the field. They executed a record-breaking performance, scoring 11 tries and showcasing their offensive skills. The Wallaroos’ defence also held strong, completing an impressive 190 tackles, which is noteworthy considering the physical challenge posed by the Samoan team.
Yapp expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, particularly their ability to maintain a clean sheet. “For me, the confidence to move the ball pleased me most, and we were clinical in the first half, certainly more than we have been,” she remarked. “Also to keep them at nil, because they were throwing a lot at us, particularly in the second half.”
As they prepare for their encounter with the United States, Yapp acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in tackling efficiency. The Wallaroos missed 26 tackles against Samoa, a statistic they cannot afford to replicate against a formidable US side.
Looking Ahead to the US Matchup
The upcoming match against the United States is pivotal for the Wallaroos’ chances of advancing to the quarter-finals. Co-captain Emily Chancellor emphasized the competitive nature of the fixture, stating, “The Americans had some heart out there, they had some ticker, and we need to be ready for a pretty physical game again.”
The US team, while recently defeated by England, is expected to present a significant challenge. Chancellor believes that if the Wallaroos execute their game plan effectively, they will be well-positioned for success.
With Miller’s potential absence hanging over the team, the Wallaroos are keenly aware of the stakes. As they look to build on their strong performance against Samoa, the outcome of the US match will play a crucial role in determining their future in the tournament. The team remains hopeful for Miller’s swift recovery, knowing her impact on the field can make all the difference.
