Wallaroos shuffle side for final Pacific Four game against New Zealand

Wed, May 22, 2024, 10:58 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallaroos have confirmed their side to face New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images
The Wallaroos have confirmed their side to face New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp is looking for greater impact from her side as she confirms a refreshed team to face New Zealand.

Rebels captain Ash Marsters has been ruled out after picking up an ankle injury against the USA in Melbourne.

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She will be replaced by Waratahs enforcer Leilani Nathan, who is in for her maiden international start.

Nathan will look to add major power to their pack alongside second-rower Atasi Lafai.

Lafai was named Player of the Final in NSW's win over the Fijian Drua last month.

Cecilia Smith is the lone change to the backline, replacing Trilleen Pomare as the Force skipper goes to the bench.

The Reds skipper partners Georgina Friedrichs in the centres.

17-year-old Caitlyn Halse retains her starting spot at fullback, with Brumbies flanker Tabua Tuinakauvadra added to the bench.

"While the first two results have not been what we were after, the team has come together well and have shown some good learnings and progressions,” Yapp said.

“We’ve had a really good week of training in Auckland and I am excited to see how the team performs against the Black Ferns.

“Ash Marsters is unfortunately unavailable through injury.”

The Wallaroos will be searching for their first win over the Kiwis, which would secure their spot in WXV 1 in Canada.

WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO FACE NEW ZEALAND

1. Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs) – 5 caps

2. Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies) – 12 caps

3. Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs) – 23 caps

4. Michaela Leonard (c) (Western Force) – 24 caps

5. Atasi Lafai (NSW Waratahs) – 11 caps

6. Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies) – 8 caps

7. Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs) – 4 caps

8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs) – 12 caps

9. Samantha Wood (Western Force) – 2 caps

10. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs) – 23 caps

11. Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs) – 4 caps

12. Cecilia Smith (Queensland Reds) - 12 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs) – 21 caps

14. Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs) – 10 caps

15. Caitlyn Halse (NSW Waratahs) – 1 cap

Reserves

16. Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke (Western Force) – 2 caps

17. Sally Fuesaina (ACT Brumbies) – 2 caps

18. Bridie O'Gorman (NSW Waratahs) – 19 caps

19. Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs) – 17 caps

20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (ACT Brumbies) - 5 caps

21. Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs) – 21 caps

22. Trilleen Pomare (Western Force) – 26 caps

23. Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies) – 8 caps

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