Former Wallaroos skipper Liz Patu has returned to the Australian team’s starting line-up to take on the Black Ferns in Perth.
Patu was rewarded for strong form in the Japan series by winning a recall to a reshuffled front row, with Evelyn Horomia also back at tighthead.
In an otherwise settled team, Melbourne halfback Georgia Cormick comes into the starting team, while reserve scrumhalf Iliseva Batibasaga will come off the bench in her first Test since 2016.
Wallaroos coach Dwayne Nestor said the match presented a valuable chance for the team to show their improvement.
"This is a great opportunity for us this week to show off the improvements we have been working hard on since the Japan Series," he said.
“We’ve targeted some keys area of growth that we want to work on, and the squad has responded really well to those challenges.
“Bringing in some new faces in the starting XV freshens us up and is a just reward for the hard work and performances of Georgia, Liz and Evelyn.
“Georgia (Cormick) is a talent to watch and she has approached this opportunity with great excitement and focus.
“Playing in a venue like Optus Stadium will be an amazing experience, especially considering the history of the occasion.
The Black Ferns have named two potential debutants in their 23 for the clash, with prop Olivia Ward and midfielder Kilisitina Moata'ane coming off the pine.
New Zealand has a new captain in flanker Les Elder this time around in the wake of Fiao'o Fa'amausili's retirement last year.
The world no. 1s have never lost to Australia but the Wallaroos have made giant strides in recent years with increased professionalism and the introduction of the Super W competition.
The Wallabies take on New Zealand at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Saturday August 10, kicking off at 5;45pm local, 7;45pm AEST, with the Wallaroos-Black Ferns kicking off at 3pm local, 5pm AEST. The Wallabies are LIVE on Network Ten, FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and RUGBY.com.au RADIO while the Wallaroos will be shown on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
1.Liz Patu, Wests, Queensland Women’s XV, 21 caps
2. Averyl Mitchell, Souths (Brisbane), Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps
3. Evelyn Horomia, Brothers, NSW Waratahs Women, 5 caps
4. Michaela Leonard, Vikings, Brumbies Women, 2 caps
5. Alisha Hewett, GPS/ADFRU, Queensland Women’s XV, 19 caps
6. Millie Boyle, (vc), Royals (Canberra), Queensland Women’s XV, 10 caps
7. Emily Chancellor, Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 4 caps
8. Grace Hamilton (c), Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 13 caps
9. Georgia Cormick, Power House, Melbourne Rebels Women, 2 caps
10. Trilleen Pomare, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women, 9 caps
11. Lori Cramer, University of Queensland, Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps
12. Ariana Hira Herangi, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women, 2 caps
13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps
14. Samantha Treherne, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 12 caps
15. Mahalia Murphy, Campbelltown/Maitland, NSW Waratahs Women, 9 caps
Reserves
16. Ash Marsters, Harlequins, Melbourne Rebels Women, 8 caps
17. Emily Robinson, Warringah, NSW Waratahs Women, 9 caps
18. Christina Sekona, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 1 cap
19. Rebecca Clough, Cottesloe, RugbyWA Women, 22 caps
20. Shannon Mato, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps
21. Iliseva Batibasaga, Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 13 caps
22. Arabella McKenzie, Randwick, NSW Waratahs Women, 2 caps
23. Mhicca Carter, Cottesloe, Rugby WA Women, 4 caps
New Zealand to face Wallaroos
1. Toka Natua (20)
2. Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (28)
3. Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (33)
4. Eloise Blackwell (41)
5. Charmaine Smith (25)
6. Pia Tapsell (4)
7. Les Elder (Captain, 16)
8. Charmaine McMenamin (22)
9. Kendra Cocksedge (Vice captain, 51)
10. Ruahei Demant (9)
11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga (7)
12. Chelsea Alley (22)
13. Carla Hohepa (22)
14. Renee Wickliffe (39)
15. Selica Winiata (Vice captain, 38)
Reserves
16. Forne Burkin (1)
17. Leilani Perese (9)
18. Olivia Ward-Duin*
19. Joanah Ngan-Woo (2)
20. Kennedy Simon (2)
21. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (4)
22. Krysten Cottrell (6)
23. Kilisitina Moata'ane*
