Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
When prop Eva Karpani runs out on to the international arena, there’s someone beside her who reminds the second-most-capped Wallaroo of her younger self.
Faliki Pohiva made a triumphant return to Australia’s women’s rugby team at the weekend, playing her 12th Test and scoring her first international try against world champions England in their spirited 48-15 loss in Salford on Sunday (AEST).
The five-pointer underlined the 25-year-old’s importance to the Wallaroos’ future as they continue ramping up preparations for their home World Cup in 2029.
Pohiva missed Australia’s horror Test against New Zealand in August because of a calf injury, but with the barnstorming prop now firmly entrenched in the side, her presence has reminded Karpani of just how much she adds.
“We have a really good relationship. We continue to push each other. We’re very similar players,” Karpani said.
“Liki has got so much potential, and she’s such an exciting player, and for me, I almost see my younger self in her.
“She’s come a long way, and she’s going to continue to come a long way.”
Pohiva and Karpani share similar attributes – they are both of Tongan descent and play in the same position.
The pair will aim to demonstrate their glittering one-two punch when Australia take on world No.4 France in their second Test of the WXV Global Series in Aix-en-Provence on Sunday (AEST).
Karpani’s glittering endorsement of her teammate comes as the veteran of 45 Tests inches closer to a historic 50 Wallaroos caps.
She scored her 15th try for Australia against the Red Roses to move to third on the all-time list behind Desiree Miller (18) and Maya Stewart (17).
In their previous outing against France in 2023, the 30-year-old grabbed a hat-trick to help the Australians secure a 29-20 victory.
“(The 2023 win) fills us with confidence. They’ve got some (new) members in their team, but they’re still a really good and physical team,” Karpani said.
“For us, anyone’s beatable, similar to the Red Roses, where we really … gave it to them in the first half.
“We’ve shown ourselves that we can … compete against the top teams in the world. Our comms and messaging have been ‘let’s do it for 80 minutes’.”
