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AAP
AAP
Jacob Shteyman

Buoyant Wallaroos hopeful of breaking Kiwi hoodoo

Ahead of taking on rivals New Zealand, the Wallaroos are full of confidence after thrashing Fiji. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS)

It's one of the most one-sided rivalries in Australian sport but the Wallaroos think they are on track to turning it around.

Australia's women's rugby union team have never beaten New Zealand in 26 attempts, but coming off a thumping 64-5 defeat of Fiji, fullback Lori Cramer thinks they're closer than ever.

"Every time we play the Black Ferns we're always one game closer to beating them," she said.

"Last weekend was a really good example of the new kind of footy we're trying to play."

Sunday's Test in Brisbane comes after the Wallaroos were trounced 67-19 by New Zealand in May.

The Black Ferns piled on 11 tries to three in a dominant display in Auckland, but Cramer says extra time together in camp has helped the team gel and grow their combinations.

The Wallaroos gave the Black Ferns a scare during the 2022 World Cup, running out to a 17-0 lead before capitulating to lose 41-17.

Sarah Hirini.
Sarah Hirini charges up field during New Zealand's World Cup thumping of the Wallaroos. (Aaron Gillions/AAP PHOTOS)

While they didn't end up with the desired result, it gave the team belief that their rivals are not unbeatable.

"During the World Cup we had them but we just weren't able to play for the 80 minutes," Cramer said.

"It's about just trying to stay switched on and keep the intensity."

Coach Jo Yapp has made just one change to the side that beat Fiji on Saturday, with flanker Ashley Marsters returning from an ankle injury sustained against the USA in May.

"Ash has worked extremely hard to return from injury and has been training really well, it is great to have her experience back in the side," Yapp said.

Biola Dawa, Allana Sikimeti and Lydia Kavoa will back up after securing their maiden Wallaroos caps against Fiji while Lydia Kavoa drops out of the side after her debut.

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