A new look Australia A side has been confirmed to take on Manusina this weekend in Canberra, with a new group of challengers set to make a last ditch push for Wallaroo World Cup selections.
Coached by Wallaroos Assistant Coach Sam Needs, the side sees the return of several Wallaroos who have been previously out of Jo Yapp's side either due to injury, or due to the competition for positions.
Catch Australia A Women face Samoa live on Rugby.com.au on June 28.
This match will be critical in the context of the World Cup in August - with the Wallaroos set to face Manusina in their opening pool match in Manchester. The extended Wallaroos squad is completing preparations in Canberra, ahead of their final pre-World Cup matches against New Zealand and Wales.
The last time the two sides met in 2024 resulted in a last-gasp 20-17 win for Manusina in Apia, with several key names from that match set to be included in the Australia A side.
The big returns include NSW Waratahs loose forward Piper Duck and flyhalf Arabella McKenzie, who both made their first starts in a gold jersey since 2024.
Emily Chancellor will captain the side, with newly-capped Wallaroo Ruby Anderson - who also played in last year's fixture - coming into the starting side to make an all-NSW loose forward set up.
They will also be complemented by an all-Wallaroo first five, with Lydia Kavoa returning from a calf injury that ruled her out for the Pacific Four Series, while Adiana Talakai and barnstorming prop Faliki Pohiva complete the front row.
Tiarah Minns and Ashley Fernandez will come into the starting side after both featuring from the bench for the Wallaroos in 2025.
However, the most exciting changes will come from the backs and extended bench - with seven uncapped stars in - including Caitlin Urwin and Waiaria Ellis, who both featured in last year's clash.
Urwin will start in the back three alongside fellow Reds stars Piper Flynn and Lori Cramer, with McKenzie teaming up with Brumbies centre Manu'a Moleka in the centres.
Sevens star Tia Hinds will return to the starting flyhalf, pairing with Natalie Wright, while Western Force prodigy Samantha Wood makes her long-awaited return from injury off the bench.
The bench will see a mix of experience and new blood, with Ellis and Charlotte Caslick completing the back reserves. Wallaroos Bree-Anna Browne, Alapeta Ngauamo and Annabelle Codey will mix with Brumbies lock Lily Bone, who makes her second start in Australia A colours.
Sally Fuesaina and Brittany Merlo complete the front row reserves, and will get their first taste of international experience this weekend.
“The Australia A fixture is a fantastic opportunity for players on the cusp of national selection either this year or in future years to have a taste of the international arena, while experienced players also have an opportunity to push for higher selection,” General Manager of Women’s Rugby, Jilly Collins said.
“Players like Faliki Pohiva, Martha Fua, and Ruby Anderson have all debuted for the Wallaroos under Jo Yapp this year after featuring in last year’s fixture.”
“Last year’s fixture in Apia was highly competitive and we’re expecting the same again on Saturday," added Needs.
“The match is a great opportunity for players to get more game time and for the coaches to start finalising their squad leading into the New Zealand Test match and Wales series.”
The match will kick off at 11:30am AEST at Viking Park, Canberra, and will be broadcast live on Rugby.com.au.
1. Lydia Kavoa (ACT Brumbies/Eastern Suburbs)
2. Adiana Talakai (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University)
3. Faliki Pohiva (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions)
4. Ashley Fernandez (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls)
5. Tiarah Minns (Queensland Reds/Melbourne University)
6. Ruby Anderson (NSW Waratahs/Avoca Beach Rugby)
7. Emily Chancellor (c) (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University)
8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes)
9. Natalie Wright (Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs)
10. Tia Hinds (ACT Brumbies/Randwick)
11. Caitlin Urwin (Queensland Reds/Gympie Rugby)
12. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs/Lightning Ridge Tigers)
13. Manu’a Moleka (ACT Brumbies/Manly Mermaids)
14. Piper Flynn (Queensland Reds/Surfers Paradise Rugby)
15. Lori Cramer (vc) (Queensland Reds/University of Queensland)
Reserves
16. Brittany Merlo (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University)
17. Sally Fuesaina (ACT Brumbies/Campbelltown Harlequins)
18. Bree-Anna Browne (Queensland Reds/Brothers Rugby)
19. Alapeta Ngauamo (Western Force/Wests Bulldogs)
20. Annabelle Codey (NSW Waratahs/Easts Brisbane)
21. Lily Bone (ACT Brumbies/Orange City)
22. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (ACT Brumbies/Orange Emus)
23. Samantha Wood (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby)
24. Charlotte Caslick (Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs)
25. Waiaria Ellis (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions)
