Wallaroos and Sevens legend Sharni Williams admits it was 'awesome' being back in the 15-a-side game as they look to bounce back from their 41-17 defeat to the Black Ferns.
Williams' influence in the Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) opener was clear to see from the opening minute, setting the tempo with a brutal run over the advantage line.
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The 34-year-old was a calming presence in an inexperienced backline as they got the best of their Black Ferns counterparts littered with Olympic and World Cup champions.
Unfortunately for the visitors, they failed to continue this into the break, allowing the Kiwis back into the contest as they scored 41 unanswered points to blow them out.
“I’m really proud of the girls,” Williams told Rugby.com.au
“The first half was unbelievable and we really had that confidence and belief. There was a lot of penalties and we capitalised on that which we spoke about because when we get an opportunity, we have to take it.
“Being a decoy and having BB (Bienne Terita) score those tries is unbelievable.”
“Yeah obviously the first 30 we really took it to the Black Ferns but that last 10 minutes into halftime, we really let them back into the game,” captain and fellow Rio gold-medalist Shannon Parry added.
“They were able to gain momentum in the second half with discipline and just got away from us at the end.
“It’s something that we’re still chasing is that 80-minute performance. We started really well but the lapse really cost us and enable the momentum of the game to shift.”
Williams has played on some of the biggest stages in world sport, yet was left near speechless when talking about the record 34,235 crowd that packed into Eden Park.
“It was awesome to be back into it,” Williams said.
“I was saying during the week I had that soft Sevens body but that Test match Tuesday was unbelievable, the girls came out firing at each other. I think that set the tone for this game because that’s what we did in the first half.
“Walking out for the anthem was unbelievable. The stand was packed and you couldn’t hear anyone. I haven’t played in front of that many people before. In that backline, we just had belief and looked at each other and know what was ready…The next game is the most important and the fact we have a week to recover is good but it’s not over.
“We have to take positives from that first half and then think about what you could’ve done better.”
Despite the strong first half, the Wallaroos remain hungry to finally put together a complete 80-minute performance as they prepare for Scotland.
80 minutes wasn't enough for the Scottish to claim a major upset over Six Nations rivals Wales, going down 18-16 after an 85th-minute penalty to Keira Bevan.
“There’s positives to take out of it. We really got off to a positive start and for us, that’s the challenge to keep the momentum going," Parry added.
“We left a few points out there and faltered in attack which gave them extra possessions in the first half.
“There’s definitely positives there.”
