Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named eight Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies representatives to take on the Black Ferns this Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (3:00PM kickoff).
Leading the side out as captain once again will be Brumby Siokapesi Palu, backing up her strong leadership effort from last weeks 43-7 win in Fiji. Faitala Moleka has been shifted to fullback for the fixture, as she swaps roles with fellow Brumby Tia Hinds who will line up at flyhalf.
Also representing the Capital in the starting side is Martha Fua and Katalina Amosa who will pack down in the front row, while Tabua Tuinakauvadra rounds out the Brumbies openers at number eight.
Two additional ACT representatives are named to come off the bench in the fixture as Lydia Kavoa rejoins the national side, while Tania Naden looks to back up last weeks try-scoring effort in Fiji.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said: “It’s been a busy week but we are pleased with how the players have handled the travel from Fiji to Newcastle and we’re looking forward to playing on home soil for the first time.
“We’re excited to have Georgina Friedrichs back from injury and along with Kaitlan Leaney and Bridie O’Gorman returning their experience will help after losing Maya Stewart, Bienne Terita and Caitlyn Halse through injury.
“Due to our injuries this has opened the door to look at other combinations as we look to grow and develop leading into the World Cup.
“We know New Zealand will be a step up and we’ll need to be at our best on Saturday.”
WALLAROOS TEAM FOR BLACK FERNS TEST 1. Martha Fua (#223 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 1 cap
2. Katalina Amosa (#218 - Southern Districts) – 1 cap
3. Asoiva (Eva) Karpani (#171 - Southern Suburbs) – 32 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - CSU Marlins) – 25 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 33 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 17 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 - Sydney University) – 24 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Orange Emus) – 12 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 30 caps
10. Tia Hinds (#222 - Randwick) – 1 cap
11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 13 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 20 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 29 caps
14. Charlotte Caslick (#220 - Wests Bulldogs) – 1 cap
15. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 17 caps
Reserves 16. Tania Naden (#197 - Uni-North Owls) – 20 caps
17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) – 5 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 27 caps
19. Tiarah Minns (#217 - Melbourne University) – 2 caps
20. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Boroondara) – 35 caps
21. Natalie Wright (#213 - Wests Bulldogs) – 4 caps
22. Trilleen Pomare (#155 - Wanneroo) – 34 caps
23. Lori Cramer (#172 - University of Queensland) – 27 caps
Wallaroos v Black Ferns
Saturday, May 10: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle - 3:00pm AEST (Pacific Four Series)
