women
international women
Experienced front-rower Eva Karpani is closing in on the 50-Test milestone after being named in Australia’s matchday 23 to face Scotland, returning to the fold alongside back Cecilia Smith and the prolific Maya Stewart.
Karpani will be 49 years oldth appearing in Wallaroos gold after being named in the reserves, as one of two Queensland Reds representatives. Reds captain Jemma Bemrose is another Queenslander in the 23-man squad, also selected on the bench.
Smith is another notable inclusion in the number 23 shirt, while Stewart is brought straight back into the running after overcoming injury. Stewart joins Amelia Whitaker and Desiree Miller in the all-NSW Waratah trio.
Brianna Hoy, Brittany Merlo and Faliki Pohiva made up the all-Waratah front row, joined by New South Wales teammate Kaitlan Leaney in the tight end. Michaela Leonard, the most captained Wallaroo in history, is the other starting lock.
Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona will line up at blindside flanker, with versatile loose forward Piper Duck packing on the other side of the scrum. Pia Tapsell rounds off the pack as first choice No.8.
Samanatha Wood and Waiaria Ellis are the halves, with Faitala Moleka joining Georgina Friedrichs in the centres. Whitaker and Stewart are wing players, with 31-Test outside back Miller switching from wing to fullback.
“We have maintained significant selection consistency throughout the WXV, strategically strengthening our cohesion and combinations,” said Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh.
“During WXV, we layered certain areas of our game to build stronger performances in each test.
“We selected a balanced 23 armed with leadership, power, strength and speed.”
The Wallaroos team plays against Scotland
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Brianna Hoy – #203 – 17 appearances
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Brittany Merlo – #230 – 7 drops
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Faliki Pohiva – #219 – 14 cap
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Kaitlan Leaney – #179 – 43 appearances
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Michaela Leonard – #168 – 50 performances
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Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 – 31 cap
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Piper Duck – #185 – 30 caps
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Pia Tapsell – #236 – 4 Cap
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Samantha Wood – #207 – 19 Cap
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Waiaria Ellis – #225 – 10 Cap
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Amelia Whitaker – #237 – 3 drops
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Molek News – #199 – 34 caps
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Georgina Friedrichs – #178 – 45 performances
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Maya Stewart – #196 – 27 appearances
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Desiree Miller – #204 – 31 Cap
Reserves
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Tania Naden – #197 – 33 appearances
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Allana Sikkimeti – #212 – 6 caps
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Eva Karpani – #171 – 48 drops
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Jemma Bemrose – #238 – 2 caps
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Emily Chancellor – #158 – 40 appearances
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Lily Bone – #229 – 6 drops
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Piper Simmons – #231 – 2 drops
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Cecilia Smith – #190 – 32 appearances