For the Wallaroos’ match against Fijiana, coach Jo Yapp chooses four rookies.
Four Wallaroos are making their Test debuts ahead of Saturday’s Test match against Fiji at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, according to Australia coach Jo Yapp.
Coach Yapp has selected Biola Dawa in the starting side for what will be the ACT Brumbies speedster’s Test debut. Allana Sikimeti, Lydia Kavoa, and Natalie Wright are also in line for their first taste of Wallaroos rugby after being selected on the bench. The Wallaroos are hoping to recover from a losing streak in World Rugby’s Pacific Four Series when they play in front of their home crowd for the third time this season.
With players like Arabella McKenzie and Evan Karpani, who will both be making their 25th appearance for Australia, along with Piper Duck, Kaitlan Leaney, and Western Force captain Michaela Leonard, this Australian team is undoubtedly formidable. “It’s been nice to be back in Sydney and the players are working hard to put in a good performance against Fiji on Saturday,” coach Jo Yapp said in a statement.
“We are eager to watch how they progress as our team has been practicing well. We have four debutants, so congratulations to Allana, Biola, Lydia, and Nat on being selected before their first Test caps, and to Eva and Arabella on their impending milestones.”
The forward pack is completed by the formidable backrow trio of Atasi Lafai, openside flanker Leilani Nathan, and 13-Test enforcer Piper Duck. “Maya Stewart and Ashley Marsters are both unavailable due to injury.” Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, and Eva Karpani will pack down in the front row, while captain Michaela Leonard and Kaitlan Leaney will combine as the two locks.
This weekend, Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie, a skilled duo, will collaborate once more. The last time the Australians played, they were defeated by bitter rivals New Zealand on Auckland’s North Shore, but McKenzie was a bright spot for the team.
A familiar midfield of Cecila Smith and Georgia Friedrichs backs up the outside back trio of NSW Waratahs winger Desiree Miller, rookie Biola Dawa, and seasoned fullback Lori Cramer. This Test is one of two matches that include the Wallabies versus Wales. Wallaroos supporters can tune in to Stan Sport to witness this match, which is set to begin at 4:45 pm AEST.
Wallaroos team to take on Fijiana
Brianna Hoy
Tania Naden
Eva Karpani
Michaela Leonard (c)
Kaitlan Leaney
Atasi Lafai
Leilani Nathan
Piper Duck
Layne Morgan
Arabella McKenzie
Desiree McKenzie
Cecilia Smith
Georgina Friedrichs
Biola Dawa*
Lori Cramer
Replacements
Tiarna Molloy
Allana Sikimeti*
Bridie O’Gorman
Siokapesi Palu
Lydia Kavoa*
Natalie Wright*
Trilleen Pomare
Faitala Molek.