Head Coach Andy Gibson has named his 25-player squad for the Waratahs Women to take on the Reds at the Santos Festival of Rugby on Saturday in Roma (3:30PM kick-off).
There is a mixture of youth and great experience in the squad, with eight cap Wallaroo Leilani Nathan included at number eight, while Ella Roberts, the former Irish sevens player and Georgia Rivers, who was previously capped for Hong Kong XVs, are selected at right wing and full-back respectively.
Tighthead prop Seneti Kilisimasi is the pack leader as vice captain, with Edie Burke leading the side from scrum-half.
And Gibson believes the clash against rivals the Reds represents a huge opportunity for this talented group.
“We are super excited to see this group come together on Saturday after a quality four-week block,” Gibson said.
“This exciting opportunity to represent themselves, their family, their teammates, clubs and state has been a message shared by our captain Edie and an important theme throughout.
“Our game has come together this week at training nicely with our leaders driving the confidence to execute as a group. The players are ready to express themselves and lean into the strengths of their game and the Waratahs Women.”
NSW Waratahs Women’s XVs v Queensland Reds Women’s XVs
Santos Festival of Rugby, Saturday 19 September, 3:30PM kick-off AEST
Gallas Fox Park, Roma
Starting XV:
- Laiema Bosenavulagi
- Millie Parker
- Seneti Kilisimasi (vc)
- Grace Gillies
- Tahlia Morgan
- Ruby Anderson
- Taj Heald
- Leilani Nathan
- Edie Burke (c)
- Ruby Flanders
- Kiana Vatabua
- Jewel Fauui
- Lusiana Vesikula
- Ella Roberts
- Georgia Rivers
Replacements:
16. Jaydah Ongosia
17. Elissa Langi
18. Armarni Bentley
19. Eliza Cotis
20. Georgia Moore
21. Maya Atkinson
22. Martha Harvey
23. Sydney Davis
24. Anita Faimasui Brown
25. Danielle Seckold
