Wallabies look to banish World Cup ghosts, Fiji rematch confirmed pre-Lions series<\/p>\n
The Wallabies have locked in their first Test of the year, announcing a World Cup rematch against Fiji at Newcastle\u2019s McDonald Jones Stadium on July 6.<\/p>\n
The match will be a crucial warm-up before the Wallabies face the British & Irish Lions on July 19. It will be Fiji\u2019s first game in Australia since 2017 and a replay of their historic 2023 World Cup win over the Wallabies \u2013 their first victory since 1954.<\/p>\n
This Test marks the return of international rugby to Newcastle after four years. The venue previously hosted matches during the COVID-affected 2020 Tri-Nations, featuring the Wallabies, All Blacks, and Los Pumas.<\/p>\n
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Rugby Milestones<\/p>\n
McDonald Jones Stadium is set to host its first women\u2019s Test in 2025, with the Wallaroos facing the Black Ferns on May 10 as part of the Pacific Four series. The Wallaroos last played in Newcastle in 2019, where they secured their first-ever home Test victory, defeating Japan 34-5 in front of nearly 4,000 fans.<\/p>\n
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt expressed excitement about the Fiji match: \u201cIt\u2019s great to have a genuine Test before the Lions series. Fiji nearly upset England at the last World Cup and bring a unique combination of physicality and flair.\u201d Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge added: \u201cNewcastle fans are passionate supporters, and I\u2019m confident these matches will draw big crowds.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Wallaroos\u2019 historic 2019 win and the 20,000 fans who braved poor weather for the Wallabies\u2019 2012 Newcastle Test highlight the city\u2019s strong rugby support.<\/p>\n
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Challenges Ahead<\/p>\n
For the Wallabies, the Fiji clash carries extra significance. Their World Cup loss to Fiji in 2023 caused an early exit and led to Eddie Jones stepping down as coach. Fiji\u2019s recent rise includes wins over England, Wales, and Japan.<\/p>\n
McDonald Jones Stadium also presents challenges for the Wallabies, who have never won there. Their past games include a 15-all draw with Los Pumas in 2020 and a 6-9 loss to Scotland in 2012. The Waratahs also lost to the Sunwolves 31-29 at the venue in 2019.<\/p>\n
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Rugby Growth in the Hunter<\/p>\n
The match comes as rugby gains traction in the Hunter region, with the return of the Wildfires to the Shute Shield in 2020. Local talents like Nic White, Layne Morgan, and Maya Stewart have emerged from the area. Former Waratahs coach Darren Coleman recently joined the Wildfires as Director of Rugby.<\/p>\n
The Hunter will host several 2027 World Cup matches, with further details expected Thursday. Accor Stadium in Sydney is anticipated to host the final, with Perth\u2019s Optus Stadium slated for the opening ceremony and Wallabies\u2019 match. Talks are ongoing for Melbourne to host games as well.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Wallabies look to banish World Cup ghosts, Fiji rematch confirmed pre-Lions series The Wallabies have locked in their first Test of the year, announcing a World Cup rematch against Fiji at Newcastle\u2019s McDonald Jones Stadium on July 6. The match will be a crucial warm-up before the Wallabies face the British & Irish Lions on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22455,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[489],"tags":[567],"class_list":["post-22454","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fiji-rugby","tag-fiji-druas"],"yoast_head":"\n