Written by Nathan Williamson on Sep 26, 2024 04:58 AM, courtesy of rugby.com.au Source article.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has recalled Arabella McKenzie to the starting side for their opening WXV 2 match with Wales in Cape Town on Saturday.
Yapp has opted for Faitala Moleka in the pre-WXV Tests against Ireland and the Welsh, with McKenzie coming off the bench.
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After a narrow loss to Wales, the playmakers switch as McKenzie partners Layne Morgan in the starting side.
Moleka is joined in the reserves by Cecilia Smith as the lone other change to the 23 from last week’s defeat.
“We’ve had a good week so far in Cape Town and have prepared well,” Yapp said in a statement.
“We’re expecting another close match with Wales on Saturday to start our campaign and are confident if we can tidy up our discipline the results will follow.
“It’s a similar team to last week with Arabella coming into the starting side and Cecilia Smith back in the 23.
“They both bring key experience for the tournament.”
Prop Bridie O’Gorman will become the latest Wallaroo to hit 25 caps after making her debut against Fiji in 2022.
The Wallaroos will be out to replicate their 25-19 win over Wales in the inaugural WXV competition in Auckland, with the squad settling into Cape Town before games against Scotland hosts South Africa.
“It’s been really good. Everyone was really excited getting off the plane here in Cape Town,” captain Michaela Leonard said.
“I’m incredibly excited to be in a new part of the world playing against some new teams over the next few weeks.”
WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO FACE WALES
1. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 24 caps
2. Tania Naden (#197 – Uni-North Owls) – 16 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 – Onkaparinga) – 28 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – CSU Marlins) – 22 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (c) (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 29 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (#194 – Rockdale Rangers) – 13 caps
7. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Booroondarra) – 31 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 8 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 26 caps
10. Arabella McKenzie (#175 – Lightning Ridge Tigers) – 28 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 9 caps
12. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 30 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 26 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – Nelson Bay Gropers) – 13 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Southern Districts) – 3 caps
Reserves
16. Tiarna Molloy (#191 – Inverell Highlanders) – 4 caps
17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 – Eastern Suburbs) – 3 caps
18. Alapeta Ngauamo (#215 – Wests Bulldogs) – 1 cap
19. Atasi Lafai (#161 – Campbelltown Harlequins) – 15 caps
20. Lucy Dinnen (#216 – Wanneroo) – 2 caps
21. Natalie Wright (#213 – Wests Bulldogs) – 3 caps
22. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 16 caps
23. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 12 caps
