Six changes for Wallaroos' clash with New Zealand

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has made several changes following last week’s 43-7 win over Fijiana in Suva, including three forced through injury.

Outside backs Maya Stewart (knee), Bienne Terita (hamstring), and Caitlyn Halse (hamstring) are unavailable after picking up injuries in the past week.

Stewart underwent knee surgery on Wednesday but is expected to return to the field again this year, while Terita has also been ruled out of the Pacific Four series.

Halse will be sidelined for at least a week after picking up a hamstring injury at training in Newcastle.

Wallaroos centre Georgina Friedrichs returns from a broken finger and will line up in the centres, while Charlotte Caslick will start on the wing in Stewart’s place with Faitala Moleka at fullback.

The reshuffle has pushed Tia Hinds to start at flyhalf, with Natalie Wright and Lori Cramer added to the 23.

There are further changes in the forwards. Martha Fua, Eva Karpani, and Emily Chancellor have all been promoted to start, with Ashley Marsters and Tiarah Minns moving to the bench.

Kaitlan Leaney, Bridie O’Gorman, and Lydia Kavoa return to the side after missing the Fijiana Test with Faliki Pohiva, Bree-Anna Browne and Ashley Fernandez dropping out.

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said: “It’s been a busy week, but we are pleased with how the players have handled the travel from Fiji to Newcastle, and we’re looking forward to playing on home soil for the first time.

“We’re excited to have Georgina Friedrichs back from injury, and along with Kaitlan Leaney and Bridie O’Gorman returning, their experience will help after losing Maya Stewart, Bienne Terita, and Caitlyn Halse through injury.

“Due to our injuries, this has opened the door to look at other combinations as we look to grow and develop leading into the World Cup.

“We know New Zealand will be a step up and we’ll need to be at our best on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, six players have been added to the Wallaroos squad for the Pacific Four series.

Adiana Talakai, Annabelle Codey, Arabella McKenzie, Caitlin Urwin, and Waiaria Ellis will all be available for selection during the May series.

Wallaroos: 15 Faitala Moleka, 14 Charlotte Caslick, 13 Georgina Friedrichs, 12 Cecilia Smith, 11 Desiree Miller, 9 Layne Morgan, 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 7 Emily Chancellor, 6. Siokapesi Palu (captain), 5 Michaela Leonard, 4 Kaitlan Leaney, 3. Eva Karpani, 2 Katalina Amosa, 1 Martha Fua
Reserves: 16 Tania Naden, 17 Lydia Kavoa, 18 Bridie O’Gorman, 19 Tiarah Minns, 20 Ashley Marsters, 21 Natalie Wright, 22 Trilleen Pomare, 23 Lori Cramer