Regardless of the outcome of Friday’s Wallaroos-Wales clash, Jay Tregonning has left an indelible mark on Australian rugby.
That’s the view of Wallaroos assistant Scott Fava, who shared a heartfelt message to his outgoing coach ahead of tomorrow’s WXV1 clash – Tregonning’s 16th and final Test at the helm.
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“Without getting too emotional about it, Jay was instrumental in me coming on board as coach and rekindling that love of rugby for me,” Fava told rugby.com.au.
“To be there side-by-side with your mate and going into battle … and supporting him in that endeavour leading this team and making sure that we get the outcomes that we want is special.
“He’s done a great job in terms of organisation lifting the standards, the skill level generating momentum with the development of the depth of the group right across Australia and yeah, he’s just been one of those likeable coaches that you can turn to and have a conversation with.
“For me, being able to be with him in this role and give him every opportunity to leave a winner will be superb in that sort of fairytale finish, so we’re hoping that happens.”
Tregonning has won 6 of his 15 games in charge – the most wins of any Wallaroos coach - including Test victories over Fiji (twice), Scotland, Wales, USA and France.
However, there’s been little time for sentiment as Australia prepare to back up from last week’s historic 29-20 win over France.
“Especially after a performance like that, we really deserved to get around each other and celebrate having a win but we’ve stayed grounded and we don’t want it to be a one-off thing,” veteran Wallaroo Lori Cramer said.
“We want to prove to everyone that women’s rugby is really going places and this isn’t just a one-off fluke for us.
"We are a really good rugby team, we’re capable of playing some really good footy and getting wins.
“The coaches have done a really good job and the leaders have done a really good job of staying focused on the Wales game.
“We’re not going to get caught up in it. Pressure is a privilege for us and I think that’s something we’re up for tomorrow, so we just want to make everyone proud.”
Australia kick off their final WXV1 clash against Wales on Friday 3 November at 5pm AEDT LIVE on Stan Sport.
