Arabic version: بايبر داك تعكس أهمية اختبار يوم أنزاك لوالاروز

Piper Duck is honoured to participate in the Anzac Day Test against New Zealand, a match that holds deep personal significance for the Wallaroos back-rower. According to ABC News, Duck comes from a family with a rich military history, with three generations serving in Australia’s armed forces. Her grandfather, Keith, was a leading aircraftman with the RAAF during World War II, and her uncle Glenn was part of Australia’s peacekeeping efforts in East Timor.

Duck emphasized the importance of honoring her family’s sacrifices, stating, “It means a lot to me. I don’t think we can ever repay the service they gave to this country.” As the Wallaroos prepare for the historic match at Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana Waters, Duck and her teammates have been learning about the Anzac spirit, including the values of mateship and camaraderie.

This weekend’s Test will be the first Anzac Day match between the Wallaroos and the Black Ferns, marking a significant milestone in Australasian rugby. Duck hopes this match will establish a lasting fixture on Anzac Day, similar to those seen in men’s competitions. “I think it shows how far female sport has come to get a Test match like this against the Black Ferns,” she said.

Duck’s journey to rugby began later in life, inspired by Australia’s gold medal win in women’s rugby sevens at the 2016 Olympics. She aims for the Anzac Day Test to inspire greater female participation in the sport, echoing her own experience of discovering rugby through representation. Duck will play her 26th Test for the Wallaroos during this significant event.