Wallaroos team to face SA first time in 10 years
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named her side for the upcoming clash against South Africa at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Wallaroos are looking to remain undefeated in the WXV 2 tournament with a victory over the host nation, who they haven’t played in a Test since the 2014 World Cup.
Veteran centre Cecilia Smith returns to the run-on side following a strong performance off the bench in the 37-5 win against Wales last week.
Smith replaces vice-captain Trilleen Pomare, who moves back to the reserves.
Samantha Wood has been included in the 23 after flying into Cape Town this week following the loss of Natalie Wright to a tournament-ending foot injury.
Wright will miss the remainder of WXV 2, along with uncapped forward Ashley Fernandez, who injured her shoulder during a training session.
Teenage young gun Waiaria Ellis replaces Fernandez in the squad.
Flyhalf Arabella McKenzie, who missed last week’s victory after suffering a concussion during training, will miss the match and be monitored ahead of the side’s final game of the year against Scotland.
Wallaroos flank Ashley Marsters will equal the record for all-time most appearances set by Liz Patu with 33 caps against South Africa this weekend.
The Wallaroos have met the Springbok Women on three occasions since 2006 for three victories.
Your team for Round 2 of #WXV ✌
🆚 South Africa
📆 Sunday 6 Oct | 1:00am AEST
🏟 Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
📺 @stansportau#Wallaroos pic.twitter.com/OiemaNPAEaADVERTISEMENT— Wallaroos (@WallaroosRugby) October 3, 2024
Wallaroos: 15 Catilyn Halse, 14 Maya Stewart, 13 Georgina Friedrichs, 12 Cecilia Smith, 11 Desiree Miller, 10 Faitala Moleka, 9 Layne Morgan, 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra, 7 Ashley Marsters, 6 Siokapesi Palu, 5 Michaela Leonard, 4 Kaitlan Leaney, 3 Evan Karpani, 2 Tania Naden, 1 Bridle O’Gorman
Replacements: 16 Tiarna Molloy, 17 Lydioa Kavoa, 18 Allana Sikimeti, 19 Atasi Lafai, 20 Lucy Dinnen, 21 Samantha Wood, 22 Trilleen Pomare, 23 Lori Cramer
Date: Saturday, October 5
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.00 (Sunday, October 6, 1.00 AEST)
Referee: Precious Pazani
Assistant Referees: Amelia Luciano, Maria Latos
Television Match Official: Estelle Whaiapu
