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Speed demon boosts Aussies after 'upsetting' loss in the final Wallaroos game before Rugby World Cup

Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington

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The Wallaroos have received mixed injury news as they try to make amends for an "upsetting" and "unacceptable" loss to Wales at North Sydney Oval on Friday.

Dynamic winger Maya Stewart - the Wallaroos' all-time leading try-scorer, will make her return in the second and final Test after undergoing knee surgery in May.

But Australia coach Jo Yapp will be without Eva Karpani (back) and Bree-Anna Browne (leg) in the wake of Saturday's 21-12 upset loss to Wales in Brisbane.

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Lisa Neumann of Wales runs the ball.

Lisa Neumann of Wales runs the ball. Getty

Alapeta Ngauamo of the Western Force has been called into the squad and named on the bench.

"We were disappointed with last week's performance. We've all had some honest reviews, and we are pleased with how the squad has responded at training," Yapp said.

"Unfortunately we've had injuries to Eva and Bree which has meant calling in Alapeta and we know Alapeta will come in and do a great job.

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"We are also excited for Maya Stewart's return after injury. With a short turnaround we are looking forward to playing at North Sydney Oval in our final game before the World Cup."

The Wallaroos World Cup squad will be announced on Monday at Allianz Stadium.

A 32-player squad will then depart for England on August 11 with the first pool match kicking off against Samoa on August 23.

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Winger Desiree Miller admitted the sloppy Ballymore loss - which featured 24 turnovers and 16 in the second half - was a knock to their confidence.

"It was pretty tough to watch, and it definitely doesn't reflect what we've been working on the last few months, particularly the last month," Miller told reporters.

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"It's just upsetting to see that we couldn't put out on the field what we've been working so hard for, and fortunately enough we have this next round versus Wales again to rectify that and produce a result we're happy with to build some confidence especially leading into the World Cup in a couple of weeks...

"It wasn't acceptable what we produced and we're looking to really rectify that and produce a better result, because that's not who we are."

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