Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Women's hooker Tania Naden returns for the Wallaroos in their encounter with Wales, kicking off this Saturday at Rodney Parade, Newport (4:00AM AEST).
Naden underwent surgery on her finger in August and will start at hooker with Ash Marsters returning to flanker.
Lock Michaela Leonard is back as captain of the side after Siokapesi Palu’s maiden game in charge against Ireland last week.
Palu became the 17th captain of the Wallaroos as part of a wider strategy to build further experience in the leadership group.
The duo are joined by fellow Brumbies' team mates Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Faitala Moleka. With Lydia Kavoa named on the interchange bench.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said: “We were really disappointed with last week’s performance against Ireland and have an opportunity against Wales to improve in key areas of our game.
“We will play Wales again in Round 1 of WXV 2 so the opportunity to play them a week earlier can give us a good gauge in where both teams are at leading into the tournament.
“Tania, Caitlyn, Trilleen and Atasi have all been training well and come back into the side.
“As a team we know what we’re capable of we just need to transfer that into Friday night in Newport.”
The Wallaroos have played Wales on six occasions since 2002 for six victories. It is the first time the two teams will meet at Newport Parade.
Wallaroos v Wales
Rodney Parade, Newport
Saturday 21 September, 4:00AM AEST
Starting XV
1. Bridie O'Gorman
2. Tania Naden
3. Eva Karpani
4. Kaitlan Leaney
5. Michaela Leonard (c)
6. Siokapesi Palu
7. Ashley Marsters
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra
9. Layne Morgan
10. Faitala Moleka
11. Desiree Miller
12. Trilleen Pomare
13. Georgina Friedrichs
14. Maya Stewart
15. Caitlyn Halse
Interchange
16. Tiarna Molloy
17. Lydia Kavoa
18. Alapeta Ngauamo
19. Atasi Lafai
20. Lucy Dinnen
21. Natalie Wright
22. Arabella McKenzie
23. Lori Cramer
