When you sit down and chat with Wallaroos flyhalf Faitala Moleka, it’s clear to see her off-the-cuff nature is not confined to the Rugby field.
The 19-year-old starred in a coming-of-age performance after her late inclusion for Arabella McKenzie, guiding the Wallaroos to a 37-5 win over Wales.
Watch the Wallaroos tackle South Africa live and exclusively on Stan Sport.
Moleka, one of eight kids, was taken aback when she was named player of the match in one of the best performances under new coach Jo Yapp.
“You could probably tell by my interview, that I was a bit starstruck. I wasn’t expecting to get the award. I just went into the game with that winning mindset, being positive and confident in my own abilities,” she told reporters.
“I think it was a long time coming for me and the girls to get a win like that and get a result as well.”
The emotion after the match was clear after a tough start to their Spring Tour, going down to Ireland and the Welsh, with the loss to Ireland put into perspective after they took down New Zealand in Canada.
Moleka expressed her love for coach Yapp and how the coach kept the group bonded to deliver a result like this.
“The way she speaks, it’s very consistent. It’s not emotionally led so being able to have a coach that with the wins and losses is consistent and still sports the girls, I don’t really know where I’m going here but Jo’s just really cool,” she said.
“I love Jo and she’s really supportive.
"I love you Jo.”
Moleka represents a new generation of Wallaroos talent coming through alongside the likes of fullback Caitlyn Halse whilst Waiaria Ellis waits in the wings after her strong showing for Australia A.
“Not going to lie, I’d say we’re coming to take the reins. Don’t tell the older girls, might get told off but we’re coming for you,” she joked to the older players.
“The experience from the older girls, they really instil the confidence in us like Caitlyn, ‘Boo’ (Tabua Tuinakauvadra) and Ruby Anderson to step out of our comfort zones and own the roles we’re given.
“…’Boo’ and I have the quote ‘No more Mr Nice Guy’ which I wrote on my wrist tape on the weekend just as a reminder to have confidence and play how I normally play with fun and a smile.”
The Brumbies star loved the chance to experience Africa as they prepared to take on the hosts on Sunday (AEST).
“This is my first time here. I love this place, it’s amazing but also just trying not to get distracted by how beautiful this place is. It’s new and different but we all still got the same job and goal we want to achieve,” she added.
“It’s just beautiful, every time you step outside you see like a massive boulder and Table Mountains. At home, I just see buildings…I never see seals as well so that’s amazing. All I see in Canberra is kangaroos which I’m sick of, need new animals to look at.
“We know it’s a home game for South Africa so the crowd and the support will be backing them. They’re a very strong forward pack…but I think us girls can really dominate if we show the performance we showed last week.”
