Minor Premiers NSW Waratahs' tilt at the title has been further boosted by the return of captain Piper Duck for the Super Rugby Women's semi-finals.
Duck has missed the past two weeks with an injury to her sesamoid in her foot, suffered during the win over the Melbourne Rebels, returning for Friday's match with the ACT Brumbies
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The Wallaroo has had a history of foot injuries, missing the chance to captain Australia and the entire 2023 Test season after multiple setbacks.
"I just felt my toe twinge. I went to get off my toe and I couldn't initially so I did freak out a little bit," Duck admits.
"It was quite scary but fortunately the physios reassured me it was quite minor so we've been really precautionary the last two weeks to make sure I came back ready and 100%."
Duck is joined in the starting side by 2023 Wallaroo Player of the Year Eva Karpani.
Karpani has spent the entire season off the bench, adding power to their pack as they face a settled Brumbies side.
Winger Jemima McCalman is a welcome inclusion from injury, whilst captain Siokapesi Palu will be making history as the first player to achieve 25 matches for the Brumbies.
Friday 19 April 5:45 pm AEST – NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
WARATAHS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Brittany Merlo, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Skye Churchill, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs (c), Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse
RESERVES: Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Emily Robinson, Bridie O'Gorman, Annabelle Codey, Sera Naiqama, Tatum Bird, Waiaria Ellis, Jade Sheridan
BRUMBIES (1-15): Sally Fuesaina, Tania Naden, Iroha Kisimoto, Kate Holland, Ash Fernandez, Siokapesi Palu (c), Lydia Kavoa, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Kolora Lomani, Faitala Moleka, Jemima McCalman, Kayla Sauvao, Harmony Ioane, Biola Dawa, Ashlea Bishop
RESERVES: Erika Maslen, Allana Sikimeti, Iris Verebalavu, Jess Grant, Loretta Mailangi, Bonnie Brewer, Kyah Little, Chioma Enyi
In Fiji, the Drua have been boosted by the signing of former captain Bitila Tawake.
Tawake has been playing for the Chiefs in this season's Super Rugby Aupuki competition in New Zealand, going down to the Blues in the final.
"It's great to have Bitila back," head coach Mosese Rauluni said.
"She has always been an important part of the Drua and we've constantly been in touch. She'll get on splendidly with the rest of the squad, all of whom know her well already.
"Bitila comes to us match fit and battle hardened and will be a great asset to draw on as we prepare to take on the Western Force in Suva on Friday."
Fullback Luisa Tisolo is out after her red card, suspended for three games.
As for the Force, the returning Trilleen Pomare is a major inclusion for the side after their win over the Brumbies.
Japan international front-rower Misaki Suzuki comes into the team as a reserve to replace hooker Sara Cline, who returns to Canada ahead of the Pac Four.
Friday 19 April 2:35 pm AEST – Fijian Drua v Western Force at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
DRUA (1-15): Salanieta Nabuli, Keleni Marawa, Anasimeci Korovata, Jade Coates, Asinate Serevi, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa (c), Setaita Railumu, Jenifer Ravutia, Adita Milinia, Merewalesi Rokouno, Vani Arei, Merewairita Neivosa, Atelaite Buna
RESERVES: Litia Marama, Bitila Tawake, Vika Matarugu, Mereoni Nakesa, Fulori Rotagavira, Evivi Senikarivi, Salanieta Kinita, Repeka Tove
FORCE (1-15): Alapeta Ngauamo, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Natsuki Kashiwagi, Michaela Leonard, Rosie Ebbage, Lucy Dinnen, Anneka Stephens, Tamika Jones, Samantha Wood, Nicole Ledington, Siutiti Ma’ake, Trilleen Pomare (c), Sheree Hume, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Renae Nona
RESERVES: Misaki Suzuki, Hannah Palelei, Harono Te Iringa, Libya Teepa, Keira MacAskill, Dallys Tini, Haylee Hifo, Georgia Cormick
