Fresh Wallaroos faces in for New Zealand trip

Thu, Sep 1, 2016, 11:09 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
The 2016 Buildcorp Wallaroos squad has been selected with 2014 World Cup veteran Mollie Gray selected.

Thirteen uncapped Wallaroos will make the trip to New Zealand next month, as they look for their first taste of trans-Tasman glory.

Wallaroos coach Paul Verrell has named a 26-player squad for the trip, which will involve the women playing at Eden Park for the first time, ahead of the third Bledisloe Test on October 22.

One of those new faces is Chloe Laupepe, who impressed off the bench for Sydney in the Women’s Nationals and propelled herself from the fringes right into contention during a week-long camp on the Gold Coast.

“We picked her for the cmap off her nationals form and she has performed fairly well ever since,” Verrell said.

“She’s a fullback and can also back up at five-eighth and can play inside centre so she brings a lot of diversity.”

Sydney went back-to-back on Sunday. Photo: ARU Media/Stu WalmlseyAustralia is yet to beat New Zealand in a women’s Test match but with so many new faces in the touring team, Verrell said there would be no intimidation factor heading into the tour.

“I just think they’re (New Zealand) used to that level, we’ve them 14 times and haven’t beaten them.

“They’re pretty strong right across the park, they’re physical and they’ve got pace and a lot of experience.”

“I think some of the girls a little bit more physically ready now.

"The major things is a lot of them haven’t played New Zealand. There's no bad memories. With the mix of old and we’re pretty excited about that.”

Some of the more seasoned representatives include Mollie Gray and Louise Burrows, both of whom featured in the last World Cup.

Australia hasn’t played a Test since the 2014 World Cup but have been in camp in recent weeks on the Gold Coast to prepare for the their New Zealand tour.

The Wallaroos’ chance to share the spotlight with the Wallabies comes at a crucial time for women’s rugby, after the success of the Women’s Sevens side at the Olympics put the sport squarely on the agenda.

The Wallaroos come into camp on October 15, flying to New Zealand on October 17 ahead of the first in their three-match tour, a game against an Auckland representative side.

2016 Buildcorp Wallaroos Fixtures

Tuesday 18 October: Wallaroos v Auckland Storm, Bell Park, Pakuranga

Saturday 22 October: Wallaroos v Black Ferns, Eden Park

Wednesday 26 October: Wallaroos v Black Ferns, North Harbour Stadium

2016 Buildcorp Wallaroos squad to tour New Zealand:

Katrina Barker*, scrumhalf/centre, Warringah

Iliseva Batibasaga, scrumhalf, Sydney University

Louise Burrows, hooker/prop, Canberra Royals

Chloe Butler, lock, Parramatta

Cheyenne Campbell, centre, Redlands

Rebecca Clough, lock, Cottesloe

Mollie Gray, backrow, Sydney University

Alisha Hewett, lock, GPS

Ashleigh Hewson, Flyhalf/fullback, Sydney University

Ariana Kaiwai*, flanker, Blacktown

Ivy Kaleta*, hooker, Sunnybank

Victoria Latu, backrow, Parramatta

Chloe Leaupepe*, flyhalf/fullback, Oatley

Nareta Marsters*,centre/wing, Sunnybank

Cobie-Jane Morgan, scrumhalf/centre/wing, Warringah

Hana Ngaha*,prop, Sunnybank

Alanna Patison*, prop/hooker, Newcastle University

Liz Patu, prop/backrow, Wests 

Madeline Putz, wing, Palmyra

Sarah Riordan*, fullback/centre, Merewether Carlton

Emily Robinson*, front row, Warringah

Oneata Schwalger, prop, Melbourne

Kirby Sefo*, lock/flanker, Sunnybank

Hanna Sio, centre, Parramatta

Shontelle Stowers*, utility back, Warringah

Venisia Taufa*, flanker/backrow, Palmyra  

*Uncapped

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