Wallaroos lock Michaela Leonard is set to become the first Australian woman to reach 50 Tests in Sunday’s (AEST) match against Scotland in Edinburgh.
Leonard starts in the second-row alongside Kaitlan Leaney in a settled starting team from last week’s narrow defeat to France in Aix-en-Provence.
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The 31-year-old has been one of the Wallaroos most consistent since her debut against Japan in 2019, playing all but two Tests since that game in Newcastle.
The Force star was named Wallaroos captain in 2023 and went on to lift the WXV 2 title the following year, defeating Scotland in the decisive game.
Sunday’s clash at the Hive Stadium looms as the first meeting with the Scots since then, kicking off a three-Test series that includes matches in Sydney and Canberra.
The Wallaroos have made just one change to their starting side since last week, bringing Brianna Hoy back into the lineup.
It contrasts an almost brand new bench, with Tania Naden, Tia Hinds and Ava Wereta the only players retaining their spots.
NSW Waratahs duo Bridie O’Gorman and Emily Chancellor add experience off the bench, with Lily Bone (HIA) returning after a week off.
Recent debutant Jemma Bemrose has also been named in a 6-2 bench split, with Martha Fua joining her in the 23.
The Wallaroos have never lost to Scotland in their four previous match-ups, all coming on neutral ground.
“Statistically and objectively we have improved considerably throughout the last three Test matches and continuing on this tangent is our objective," Director of Women's High Performance Tim Walsh said.
“In terms of milestones we will celebrate with Michaela Leonard as she runs out onto the field for her record-breaking 50th Test.”
September 27: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh - 1:10am AEST
1. Brianna Hoy - #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 16 caps
2. Brittany Merlo - #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 6 caps
3. Faliki Pohiva - #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 13 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney - #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 42 caps
5. Michaela Leonard - #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 49 caps
6. Pia Tapsell - #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 3 caps
7. Piper Duck - #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 29 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) - #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 30 caps
9. Samantha Wood - #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 18 caps
10. Waiaria Ellis - #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 9 caps
11. Desiree Miller - #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 30 caps
12. Faitala Moleka - #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 33 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs - #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 44 caps
14. Amelia Whitaker - #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 2 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse - #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 17 caps
Replacements
16. Tania Naden - #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 32 caps
17. Martha Fua - #223 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman - #180 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 42 caps
19. Jemma Bemrose - #238 (Queensland Reds/Palm Beach Currumbin Alligators) – 1 cap
20. Emily Chancellor - #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 39 caps
21. Lily Bone - #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 5 caps
22. Tia Hinds - #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 13 caps
23. Ava Wereta - #233 (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 3 caps
