The Wallaroos are ready for the challenge of world champions England, backing playmaker Faitala Moleka to adapt to the midfield on Sunday (AEST).
Moleka shifts to inside centre for the first time at Super or Test level for the WXV Global Series, partnering the returning Georgina Friedrichs.
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It allows Caitlyn Halse to return to the starting side at fullback, completing an all-NSW back-three with Desiree Miller and debutant Amelia Whitaker.
Moleka has been largely used at flyhalf or fullback in her 31 Test caps so far.
But Wallaroos assistant Mike Ruthven believes the dual-playmaker system with Waiaria Ellis can be a benefit.
"You look at 'Tala's skill set, and she's got that physical element to her game as well as the footwork, passing and kicking, so it's a natural fit in a sense," he said.
"It's a bit of an evolution for her to see if we can get her in and around the footy a little more, looking at how we get our best players all on the field together.
"I certainly think Tala's got the skill set to adapt and be a real threat there at 12 and she'd done a great job through the week."
The two teams faced off during last year's World Cup, with the Aussies leading late in the first half before they were outclassed in Brighton.
It's been close to four years since the Red Roses last lost a competitive game, dating back to the 2022 Rugby World Cup in England.
"They've got a huge amount of experience right across the park They like to play an expansive style of footy so we're going to have to be really good for 80 minutes both sides of the footy," Ruthven said.
"We also see some real opportunity in and around a few different elements of England's game that we've focused on this week and we've worked hard on during the week.
"The emphasis certainly hasn't been all around how good England are and what they bring. We know what's coming, but we think we've identified a few things that we've been able to really target and have a crack at."
