FOR the second straight year, the Wallaroos and Wallabies will play a double header against their trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Perth on August 10, 2019.

The announcement comes off the back of the successful double header held at ANZ Stadium earlier this year, where 28,842 — the highest ever attendance for a women’s Test — saw the Wallaroos share the Bledisloe Cup stage with the Wallabies for the first time on home soil in August.

In their two encounters against the Black Ferns in August, the Wallaroos went down 31-11 in Sydney before being well beaten by the world champions 45-17 in the second Test.

While the Wallaroos lost both matches, their performances were a huge step up from two years earlier when they were smashed 67-3 and 29-3 and the improvement has been, in part, put down to Australia’s inaugural Super W competition.

Thursday’s announcement and the commitment of hosting another Test match is an important stepping stone for Australia’s hopes of winning the rights to hold the 2021 World Cup.

Rugby Australia is locked in a battle with New Zealand Rugby to host the women’s 2021 World Cup.

“We are really proud to announce that the Wallaroos and Black Ferns will play again in 2019 after two great Test matches this year in Sydney and Auckland,” Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle said.

“There is now double the incentive for fans to get out to what will be a memorable rugby event at Optus Stadium with the Bledisloe Cup heading to Perth for the first time, and the first ever women’s Test match in the west.

“I know many fans from across Australia and New Zealand will want to travel for this historic occasion, to experience outstanding rugby and everything that Western Australia has to offer.”

Coach Dwayne Nestor added: “It’s fantastic news that the Wallaroos will get to play their first Test match in Perth.

“As a Western Australian myself I know personally how strong the women’s game is in the west and this is only going to help to inspire a whole new generation of female rugby players in WA.

“Our team is building on the mantra of “influencing a generation” and we are proud of the steps we have taken with the program in 2018 but there is still a number of targets we want to hit.”