Piper Duck on how Mary Fowler's 'growth over outcome' mantra is shaping Wallaroos ahead of France clash

Australia’s Wallaroos are preparing for a historic first fixture on French soil against Les Bleues this weekend, and loose forward Piper Duck says the squad’s mindset has been quietly transformed by an unlikely source: Manchester City and Matildas star Mary Fowler.

Fowler visited the Wallaroos camp in Manchester during the tour to present jerseys, and Duck told RugbyPass that one piece of advice in particular has resonated deeply through the group.

“An aspect she touched on that we’ve really taken from is growth over outcome,” Duck said. “Obviously, outcome is important, but outcome will come when you focus on that growth in the process.”

The philosophy has taken root at a meaningful moment. Australia turned heads in the opening round of the WXV Global Series despite a 48-15 defeat to England — a scoreline Duck and her teammates feel misrepresented the performance. The Wallaroos became the first side to lead England’s Red Roses at half-time since 2020, a detail that has fuelled confidence heading into the French fixture.

“It’s not that we aren’t worried about the outcome,” Duck added. “Of course we want to get the best results back home and for each other. But it’s about winning those key moments, growing individually, so that way the end result will be positive.”

This weekend’s match will be the first meeting between the two sides since Australia’s celebrated 29-20 victory in New Zealand in 2023 — a result that ended France’s run of dominance stretching back to 2017. Several players who featured in that win are included in the squad again, and Duck says the memory of it has added an edge to preparations.

“I talked to a lot of those women who were part of that game in 2023, and it’s a game they’re very proud of,” she said.

Duck, who is earning her 28th cap, is experiencing France for the first time on this tour. The squad took time out in Marseille on Wednesday to take in the local culture before turning their attention fully to the match.

She is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge. France are ranked among the world’s top four sides and bring a style of play that demands respect.

“The French are such an electric side, such a competitive side, and they play with such flair,” Duck said. “We’re giving them the due respect needed, but we do think we can go in there and do a job as well. We are excited to put our best foot forward.”

The mood inside the camp, Duck insists, reflects that quiet confidence. “The atmosphere and the camaraderie and the support we’ve had within the group has been exceptional. I’ve really enjoyed being a part of it.”