Written by Nathan Williamson on Sep 12, 2024 05:58 AM, courtesy of rugby.com.au. Source article.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has shaken up the side as they face Ireland in Belfast on Saturday, making a raft of changes headlined by new captain Siokapesi Palu.
Palu takes over the duties from Michaela Leonard for the game, who stays in the side in the second row.
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The Brumbies skipper forms a new-look backrow alongside Leilani Nathan and Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
Tuinakauvadra replaces the inured Piper Duck at number eight whilst the elevation of Nathan back into the starting side comes as Ash Marsters moves to hooker following a finger injury to Tania Naden.
Bridie O’Gorman shifts from tighthead to loosehead prop after Brianna Hoy ruptured her ACL at training.
It’s a new look halves partnership as Natalie Wright gets her first start for the Wallaroos alongside Faitala Moleka.
Maya Stewart completes her return from a hamstring injury to partner Desiree Miller and Lori Cramer in the other change to the backline.
On the bench, forwards trio Alapeta Ngauamo, Tiarah Minns and Lucy Dinnen are in line for their Wallaroos debut.
Ngauamo provides front-row cover alongside Lydia Kavoa, with the flanker shifting to the front-row amid the injury crisis.
Minns makes a long-anticipated debut after featuring in past Wallaroos’ wider squads whilst Dinnen (née Lockhart) caps off a successful return after linking up with the Western Force initially in the extended squad injury cover.
“We’re all really excited to be here in Belfast and I’ve been pleased with how the players have settled in and responded with the travel and being away from home,” Yapp said in a statement.
“We want to put in a good performance on Saturday and build on what we’ve been working on in recent camps.
“It’s a new-look side selected and it’s important with a few injuries to build depth in key areas and give players an opportunity.
“Alapeta, Lucy and Tiarah are all deserving of their first Test caps this weekend and we’re looking forward to watching them play.”
WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO FACE IRELAND
1. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 22 caps
2. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Booroondarra) – 29 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 – Onkaparinga) – 26 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – CSU Marlins) – 20 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 27 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 – Rockdale Rangers) – 11 caps
7. Leilani Nathan (#202 – Hamilton Hawks) – 7 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 6 caps
9. Natalie Wright (#213 – Wests Bulldogs) – 2 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 11 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 7 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 15 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 24 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – Nelson Bay Gropers) – 11 caps
15. Lori Cramer (#172 – University of Queensland) – 23 caps
Reserves
16. Tiarna Molloy (#191 – Inverell Highlanders) – 3 caps
17. Alapeta Ngauamo* (Wests Bulldogs) – uncapped
18. Lydia Kavoa (#214 – Eastern Suburbs) – 1 cap
19. Tiarah Minns* (Melbourne Uni/Manly Mermaids) – uncapped
20. Lucy Dinnen* (Wanneroo) – uncapped
21. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 26 caps
22. Arabella McKenzie (#175 – Lightning Ridge Tigers) – 26 caps
23. Biola Dawa (#211 – Wagga Reddies) – 2 caps
