The Wallaroos are set to face the Black Ferns at Sunshine Coast Stadium this Saturday on ANZAC Day, marking their final match of the Pacific Four Series.
The historic clash marks the first played between the two sides on ANZAC Day, on what is sure to be a special occasion.
Following tough losses to Canada (24-0) and the USA (33-12) earlier in the tournament, Australia will be looking to finish their campaign with a strong performance against their trans-Tasman rivals.
Six ACT Brumbies Women will feature in the clash, continuing to provide a strong core for the national side. Siokapesi Palu-Sekona retains the captain's armband and will lead the team from number 8, joined in the starting forward pack by hooker Tania Naden and openside flanker Lily Bone.
A key highlight of this announcement is a major milestone for Bone, who is named to start for the first time after several appearances from the bench. In the backline, Faitala Moleka takes on the flyhalf duties this week, shifting into the playmaking role from fullback, where she started in her last three matches.
The Brumbies contingent is bolstered by replacements Martha Fua and Ashley Fernandez. Fua, who joined the squad earlier this week, will start on the bench to provide vital cover for the front row.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026 (ANZAC Day)
- Time: 7:45 pm AEST
- Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Queensland, AUS
- Against: Black Ferns
- Broadcast: Watch live on Stan Sport
Wallaroos Team to Face the Black Ferns
- Brianna Hoy (#203, NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers), 12 caps
- Tania Naden (#197, ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls), 28 caps
- Eva Karpani (#171, Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs), 44 caps
- Michaela Leonard (#168, Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings), 45 caps
- Tiarah Minns (#217, Queensland Reds/Melbourne University), 5 caps
- Kaitlan Leaney (#179, NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins), 38 caps
- Lily Bone (#229, ACT Brumbies/Orange City), 2 caps
- Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) (#194, ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers), 26 caps
- Samantha Wood (#207, Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club), 14 caps
- Faitala Moleka (#199, ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions), 29 caps
- Desiree Miller (#204, NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs), 26 caps
- Sidney Taylor (#227, Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs), 3 caps
- Georgina Friedrichs (#178, NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs), 41 caps
- Maya Stewart (#196, NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers), 25 caps
- Waiaria Ellis (#225, NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions), 5 caps
Reserves
16. Brittany Merlo (#230, NSW Waratahs/Sydney University), 2 caps
17. Martha Fua (#223, ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions), 2 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180, NSW Waratahs/Sydney University), 40 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221, ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls), 8 caps
20. Piper Duck (#185, NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes), 25 caps
21. Piper Simons (#231, NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby), 1 cap
22. Ava Wereta (#233, Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers), 1 cap
23. Nicole Ledington (#226, Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club), 3 caps
