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Wallabies lock in venues for July test series against England
By AAP
The Wallabies will play Eddie Jones’ England in the first SCG test match since 1986 while the Wallaroos have locked in two tests next month ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
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Details of the three-test series against the 2019 World Cup finalists were confirmed on Tuesday, with Perth, Brisbane and Sydney to host games on consecutive Saturdays in July.
The SCG test on July 16 comes after last year’s clash against France was shifted from the venue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They will also meet in Perth for the first time in 10 years, while England were the last nation to beat Australia at their Suncorp Stadium stronghold in 2016.
“We talk a lot about wanting to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the world and three test matches in a row against England is the perfect opportunity to do that,” Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said.
“It’s always special when Australia and England meet in the sporting arena and we’re looking forward to seeing plenty of gold jerseys in the stands during July.”
The Wallaroos will play two tests in Queensland next month ahead of the World Cup – against Fijiana in a double-header with the Queensland Reds on May 6 and then Japan on the Gold Coast a week later.
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“There’s been an immense amount preparation for these upcoming test matches and the playing group, as well as the coaching staff, are itching to get their national campaign back underway,” Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning said.
“Over the past two years the entire women’s program has been building towards the next Wallaroos test season and these upcoming matches are a crucial part in our preparation for the Rugby World Cup.”
Fiji’s strengths are clear to see after the country’s dominant, unbeaten introduction to the Super W this season as a new outfit.
“Playing two strong nations like Japan and Fiji is extremely important to gain experience as a group against different styles of rugby,” Tregonning said.
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“Seeing an expansive style of play has been a delight to watch from the Fijiana Drua this year in Super W and we are sure to see the same when we face Fiji’s national side in this series.”
Wallabies v England tests:
* Saturday, July 2 at Optus Stadium, Perth
* Saturday, July 9 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
* Saturday, July 16 at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Wallaroos fixtures:
* v Fijiana, Friday, May 6 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
* v Japan, Tuesday, May 10 at Bond University, Gold Coast.
