Stewart thurst into Wallaroos return as side hunts for back-to-back wins over Scotland

Thu, Oct 15, 2026, 12:00 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallaroos have backed returning flyer Maya Stewart to make the difference in the quest to wrap up the series against Scotland on Saturday in Sydney.

Stewart is the lone change to the starting side that beat the Scots in Edinburgh, returning from an Achilles issue.

Watch every second of Saturday's quad-header with the Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Her return moves Desiree Miller to fullback, with Caitlyn Halse ruled out under concussion protocols.

It's Miller's first Test start at fullback, after featuring there several times for the NSW Waratahs in their Super Rugby W three-peat campaign.

In the forwards, skipper Siokapesi Palu Sekona swaps jerseys with Pia Tapsell, shifting her to blindside flanker.

"We have maintained considerable selection consistency throughout the WXV, strategically strengthening our cohesion and combinations," Director of Women's High Performance Tim Walsh said.

"During the WXV, we have layered specific areas of our game to build stronger performances each test.

"We have selected a balanced 23 armed with leadership, power, strength and speed."

Walsh and the coaching staff have made several changes to the bench, mixing youth and experience.

Prop Eva Karpani is a huge inclusion as she looks to become the second Wallaroo to reach 50 Tests.

Karpani would crack the milestone in Canberra if named next week following Michaela Leonard’s milestone appearance in Scotland.

Allana Sikimeti has also recovered from a back injury and has been named to make an impact in the finishing unit.

Sevens star Piper Simons returns for her third appearance in gold, joining Cecilia Smith as the two back replacements.

The Wallaroos are out to stay undefeated against Scotland, with the match marking Scotland's first tour Down Under.

WALLAROOS TEAM FOR SECOND TEST AGAINST SCOTLAND

Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney (12:00 pm AEDT)

1. Brianna Hoy - #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 17 caps

2. Brittany Merlo - #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 7 caps

3. Faliki Pohiva - #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 14 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney - #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 43 caps

5. Michaela Leonard - #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 50 caps

6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) - #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 31 caps

7. Piper Duck - #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 30 caps

8. Pia Tapsell - #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 4 caps

9. Samantha Wood - #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 19 caps

10. Waiaria Ellis - #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 10 caps

11. Amelia Whitaker - #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 3 caps

12. Faitala Moleka - #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 34 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs - #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 45 caps

14. Maya Stewart - #196 (NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 27 caps

15. Desiree Miller - #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 31 caps

Reserves

16. Tania Naden - #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 33 caps

17. Allana Sikimeti - #212 (Western Force/Norths Rugby) – 6 caps

18. Eva Karpani - #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 48 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) – 6 caps

22. Piper Simons - #231 (NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby) – 2 caps

23. Cecilia Smith - #190 (Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 32 caps

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