women
international women
Queensland Reds wing Piper Flynn is in line to make his debut for the Wallaroos this weekend, named on the bench for WXV Global Series match against France Aix-en-Provence. Australia they have a solid performance in defeating world champions England.
Flynn’s inclusion is one of four matchday 23 squad changes, with Tiarah Minns, Ava Wereta and reigning Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra brought into the side to play against France.
Tuinakauvadra and Minns have missed most of the women’s Super Rugby season through injury but will be wearing gold from the Wallaroos in a few days. Wereta played for the Wallaroos during Pacific Four Series and now it’s back in the mix.
Flynn is the latest prospective debutant, with Reds captain Jemma Bemrose and NSW Waratahs player of the year Amelia Whitaker earning their chance last week. Whitaker is retained in the run-on side, while Flynn proves to be retained in three coverages.
“We’ve come to warm weather and really looking forward to this test,” said Women’s High Performance director Tim Walsh.
“We know exactly where our strengths and weaknesses lie, and honing those areas week in and week out is exactly the kind of environment in which we thrive.
“It’s about conquering the moments in front of us, building something bigger than ourselves, and loving the work it takes to get there.
“France are a complete side, both physically, brilliantly and we’re not underestimating anything about what’s coming.
“The team will also welcome another international debutant this weekend, with Reds speedster Piper Flynn getting his first game.”
Allan Sikimeti will be packing in the front row with bitch Brittany Merlo and solid prop Faliki Pohiva. In the tight five, they will be supported by experienced locks Kaitlan Leaney and Michaela Leonard, and Minns will come from the bench.
Pia Tapsell was retained at blindside flanker, with Piper Duck named in the run-on side at open flank. Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona rounds off the starting pack after being selected at No.8.
In the backs, Samantha Wood will link up with Waiaria Ellis again and Faitala Moleka will retain the starting role at inside centre. Georgina Friedrichs starts at outside centre, with Desiree Miller and Whitaker on the wings and Caitlyn Halse at fullback.
The Wallaroos team will play against France
1. Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Eagles Rugby) – 5 appearances
2. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 5 appearances
3. Faliki Pohiva – #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 12 appearances
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 41 games
5. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 48 games
6. Pia Tapsell – #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 2 appearances
7. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 28 drops
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 29 games
9. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 17 games
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 8 appearances
11. Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 29 caps
12. Faitala Moleka – #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 32 appearances
13. Georgina Friedrichs – #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 43 appearances
14. Amelia Whitaker – #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 1 game
15. Caitlyn Halse – #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 16 games
Substitutions
16. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 31 games
17. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbor Snappers) – 15 appearances
18. Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 47 games
19. Tiarah Minns – #217 (Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 6 appearances
20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra – #200 (ACT Brumbies/Orange Emus) – 22 drops
21. Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 12 appearances
22. Piper Flynn* (Queensland Reds/Surfers Paradise Rugby) – Unlimited
23. Ava Wereta – #233 (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 2 appearances
*denotes possible debut
