Wallaroos aim for perfection after thumping Scotland 56-12
The Wallaroos have defeated Scotland 56-12 in the Global XV Series Test, but captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona believes there's still room for improvement. The team is setting high standards for themselves as they look towards the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup.
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona is known for her uncompromising approach, and she's not satisfied with the team's performance despite a dominant 56-12 win over Scotland in the Global XV Series Test.
The eight-tries-to-two victory, which came after a 30-10 win in Edinburgh three weeks ago, has left Palu Sekona feeling that the Wallaroos still have much room for improvement. This mindset should serve as music to the ears of Wallaroos supporters, as it indicates the team is setting high standards for themselves.
Room for improvement
"We still know there is room for improvement and we definitely know what to do to clean that up," Palu Sekona said.
The Wallaroos' victory over Scotland was a significant one, snapping a six-match losing streak and showcasing the team's developing harder edge, which Palu Sekona wants to carry through to the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup.
"We knew we could put together a better performance," she said.
"Ultimately results and scores are what people look at. But if we want to break down our rugby, there are so many things to clean up. From discipline, to our ruck, to the accuracy of our set-piece. There are things we can continue to work on."
Setting the bar high
The Wallaroos, ranked seventh in the world, are starting from behind scratch compared to teams like England and New Zealand, which have full-time programs and governing bodies investing in the women's game.
The Wallaroos are semi-professional but are shifting towards full-time status as part of an integrated program with the women's sevens squad, which should accelerate their rate of improvement leading up to the World Cup.
"We don't want to only be the better versions of ourselves," Palu Sekona said.
"We want to be the best in the world."
Coaching influence
The Wallaroos' makeshift coaching team, led by Rugby Australia's director of women's high performance Tim Walsh, has positively influenced the playing group.
Sione Fukofuka will take over as head coach next year and work alongside Walsh, who enjoyed success with the Australian women's sevens squad.
"I think it was another step forward, for sure," Walsh said.
The Wallaroos will complete their 2026 Test season with a match against Scotland in Canberra on Friday night.