Wallaroos and Wallabies to face New Zealand in first double header on Australian soil
The Wallaroos and Wallabies will play back-to-back Tests against New Zealand on the same evening in August for the first time ever on Australian soil.
At ANZ Stadium on August 18, Australia’s women’s XVs side will take on the Black Ferns as a curtain raiser to the men, who face the All Blacks in their opening Bledisloe Cup fixture.
Both sides will then play another double header the following weekend in Auckland at Eden Park on August 25.
In a statement, Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said: “We’ve just witnessed an incredible Super W final and this is another pivotal moment for women’s XVs rugby. Securing this year’s two-Test series is another important marker as we prepare our bid to host the next Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2021.”
Wallaroos player Grace Hamilton, who played before the Wallabies at a match in Eden Park in 2016 before the third Bledisloe Cup match, said she couldn’t wait to have the support of a home crowd.
“It’s a massive thing,” Hamilton said. “We’ve never played on home soil in a double header. Having this opportunity shows how much support we’ve got for women’s rugby now and how far we have come.
“It’s a privilege to get this opportunity, especially on home soil. It’ll be tough. The Black Ferns are the best in the world but you’d got to beat the best to be the best."
Wallaroos Head Coach Dwayne Nestor said: “This is a truly exciting opportunity and I know the players will be pumped following the confirmation of these Test matches. I know it will motivate all players to continue to work hard to ensure they are wearing Wallaroos gold come August.”
2018 Australia and New Zealand fixtures
Saturday 11 August
Wallaroos v Black Ferns, ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v All Blacks, ANZ Stadium Sydney
Saturday 18 August
Black Ferns v Wallaroos, Eden Park, Auckland
All Blacks v Wallabies, Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday October 27
All Blacks v Wallabies, Nissan Stadium, Yokohama