Wallaroos name three players who made their Canadian debuts, high-profile players off the bench

A new era for the Wallaroos begins in earnest this weekend. New coach Joe Yap has named the team that will face Canada in Saturday’s international opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

A total of three new faces appear. Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and Samantha Wood of the Force and Sally Fuesaina of the Brumbies are set to make their debuts off the bench.

The girls in gold have not beaten a Canadian team since 2014, but with momentum growing in the Australian game and several big scalps coming at the end of last year’s WXV1 campaign, there is a growing sense that they can build on the foundations set by the Wallaroos. Former coach Jay Tregonning.

The Wallaroos will be hungry to make up for last year’s loss in Ottawa. The result saw the hosts run out 45-7 winners and deny the Wallaroos a runners-up spot in the competition.

Of particular note was the increased presence of Brumbies and Western Force players in Yapp’s side. This reflects the growth of their programs and improved domestic performance.

Force veteran Michaela Leonard will retain her captaincy and the strong, loose forward pack of Piper Duck, Ashley Marsters and Siokapesi Palu will bring considerable physicality to regular play.

Experienced Waratah pairings Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie complement central stalwarts Trilleen Pomare and Georgina Friedrichs, while Queensland Red Lori Cramer joins the Tahs with Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart in the back three.

But the most interesting calls are in the front row, with 2023 Wallaroo Player of the Year Eva Karpani coming off the bench alongside Fuesaina and Waratah props Brianna Hoy and Bridie O’Gorman starting.

Cramer, Morgan and Friedrichs are set to earn their 20th caps for the national team, increasingly reflecting the Wallaroos’ increased game time.

Maya Stewart will complement a dangerous back three alongside fellow Waratah Desiree Miller and Queensland Red Lori Cramer. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Yapp was confident that the team’s growing confidence, experience, more playing time and a promising domestic season would end the team’s losing streak against their Northern Hemisphere rivals.

“We are really pleased with how the team has connected over the last week and training at Blacktown has been a great environment for the players to prepare for the camp,” the new Wallaroos coach said in a press statement.

“Hera-Barb, Sam and Sally all deserve the opportunity to debut and we look forward to them making an impact on this team.

“The girls are very excited to play their first test match of the year and perform well at the Allianz Stadium in front of their home fans.”

The Wallaroos’ clash will be followed by the Waratahs’ local derby against the Brumbies in a double-header at Allianz Stadium.

Jo Yapp said she would like to place the Wallaroos in the top four. Photo: Rugby Australia

Wallaroo squad takes on Canada – 4.55pm (AEST), Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

1. Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs) – 3 games

2. Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies) – 10 games

3. Bridie O’Gorman (NSW Waratahs) – 17 games

4. Kaitlan Linney (NSW Waratahs) – 15 games

5. Michaela Leonard (c) (Western Force) – 22 games

6. Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies) – 6 games

7. Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels) – 26 games

8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs) – 10 capsules

9. Lane Morgan (NSW Waratahs) – 19 games

10. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs) – 21 games

11. Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs) – 2 games

12. Trilleen Pomare (Western Force) – Episode 24

13. Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs) – 19 games

14. Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs) – 8 games

15. Rory Kramer (Queensland Reds) – 19 games

reserve

16. Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke* (Western Army)

17 Sally Puesaina* (ACT Brumbies)

18. Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs) – 21 games

19. Overcome Lafai (NSW Waratahs) – 9 games

20. Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs) – 2 games

21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (ACT Brumbies) – 4 appearances

22. Samantha Wood* (Western Force)

23. Paitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies) – 6 games

*debut