Captain’s rallying cry inspires epic Aussie comeback
The Wallaroos have snapped a six-game losing streak by coming-from-behind to smash Scotland 30-10 in Edinburgh on Sunday (AEST).
Scotland had visions of recording a historic win over Australia as the hosts led 10-5 at halftime.
Faitala Moleka of Australia scores. Getty Images
But Tim Walsh’s side had other ideas as they stormed back to mark Michaela Leonard’s milestone 50th Test match.
Lock Leonard became the first player to reach 50 Wallaroos caps.
“The atmosphere was crazy. Going into halftime, the girls knew we had to take it up a notch just to compete with Scotland,” player-of-the-match Faitala Moleka said on Stan Sport’s coverage.
“They’re a physical team, and they were just pumping us at the rucks, but there was a massive mindset shift from the girls, and after a speech from our captain (Siokapesi Palu Sekona), we came out determined and got that win.”
A seven-minute spurt of world-class play inspired the visitors as they produced 25 unanswered points.
A powerful 20m rolling maul proved the game-turner, sending Scotland down to 14 for cynical play and putting halfback Samantha Wood - who piled on 15 points - in position to snipe over for the lead.
Prop Brianna Hoy and inside centre Moleka then made the most of the numerical advantage with two more tries in three minutes.
The victory maintains Australia’s perfect record against Scotland.
Scotland will now travel Down Under for October Tests in Sydney and Canberra.
“The girls have certainly been progressing in our performance week to week, so it’s a really pleasing way to finish,” assistant coach Mike Ruthven said.
“Certainly had to work hard for it, but I thought the girls really increased the tempo in the second half, and we’re able to score some nice tries.”
Faitala Moleka of Australia scores. Getty Images
The Wallaroos hadn’t won since beating Fiji to open their 2026 season in March.
Meanwhile, the Western Force earned hosting rights for the Super Rugby Australia grand final after a come-from-behind 17-12 win away to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday.
Young gun Boston Fakafanua scored the go-ahead try in the 49th minute after the Force trailed 12-7 at the break in wet conditions at Pittwater Rugby Park.
Both sides already knew they’d qualified for the decider but hosting rights were up for grabs.
The Force will host the title game at Perth’s Hale School on Saturday.
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