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Coach Jo Yapp names four debutants in Wallaroos side to play Fijiana
By Finn Morton
Australia coach Jo Yapp has named four debutants in the Wallaroos' side ahead of their upcoming Test against Fiji at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The Wallaroos are looking to bounce back from a winless run in World Rugby’s Pacific Four Series when they run out in front of their home fans for the third time this season.
Coach Yapp has named Biola Dawa in the starting side for what will be the ACT Brumbies speedster’s Test debut. Allana Sikimeti, Lydia Kavoa and Natalie Wright and also in line for their first taste of Wallaroos rugby after being selected on the bench.
This Australian outfit certainly packs a punch with Western Force and Wallaroos skipper Michaela Leonard set to pack down alongside the likes of Piper Duck, Kaitlan Leaney and Evan Karpani.
Karpani and Arabella McKenzie will both bring up milestone appearances when they represent Australia for the 25th time.
“It’s been nice to be back in Sydney and the players are working hard to put in a good performance against Fiji on Saturday,” coach Jo Yapp said in a statement.
“Our team has been building well and we are looking forward to seeing how they go.
“We have four debutants and I’d like to congratulate Allana, Biola, Lydia and Nat on selection ahead of their first Test caps, and Eva and Arabella on their pending milestones.
“Maya Stewart and Ashley Marsters are both unavailable due to injury.”
Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden and Eva Karpani will pack down in the front row, while captain Michaela Leonard and Kaitlan Leaney will combine as the two locks.
Rounding out the forward pack is the formidable backrow trio of Atasi Lafai, openside flanker Leilani Nathan and 13-Test enforcer Piper Duck.
The experienced halves pairing of Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie will combine once again this weekend. McKenzie was a shining light for the Aussies last time out when they were beaten by arch-rivals New Zealand on Auckland’s North Shore.
Cecila Smith and Georgia Friedrichs make up a familiar midfield, while the outside back trio consists of NSW Waratahs winger Desiree Miller, debutant Biola Dawa and experienced fullback Lori Cramer.
This Test is part of a double header with the Wallabies’ clash with Wales.
Fans of the Wallaroos can watch this clash, which is scheduled to get underway at 4:45 pm AEST, on Stan Sport.
Wallaroos team to take on Fijiana
- Brianna Hoy
- Tania Naden
- Eva Karpani
- Michaela Leonard (c)
- Kaitlan Leaney
- Atasi Lafai
- Leilani Nathan
- Piper Duck
- Layne Morgan
- Arabella McKenzie
- Desiree McKenzie
- Cecilia Smith
- Georgina Friedrichs
- Biola Dawa*
- Lori Cramer
Replacements
- Tiarna Molloy
- Allana Sikimeti*
- Bridie O’Gorman
- Siokapesi Palu
- Lydia Kavoa*
- Natalie Wright*
- Trilleen Pomare
- Faitala Moleka
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Latest Comments
My ‘fantasy’ team V Ireland,
Including options from ABXV if needed, as V Mun better V Ireland better prep than England.
The most important aspect V Ireland is AB need ALL their loosies AND 'loosie capable locks' on ALL match [except IF(?) any tiring ie the aging & slowing eg Cane]. As follows,
{starting} bench (3rd choice)
1 {De Groot} / Tu’ungafasi (Williams)
2 { anyone that can throw!! }/ Aumua (Brodie McAlister)
Ryan! coach lineouts & Aumua to throw!
3 {Lomax}/ Tosi (Newell )
Tosi immense strength V England
4,5 Locks { P.Tuipulotu, S.Barrett }, Vaa’i, Darry
( Isaia Walker-Leawere)
Vaa’i off V Eng. Assumed due to leg injury(?)
6,7,8 Loose forwards { Sititi, A.Savea, Cane } Vaa’i, S.Barrettm, P.Tuipulotu back up (Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi )
9 {Roigard } Ratima ( TJ )
10 {D.McK} Perofeta ( Plummer)
12 {J.Barrett } ALB ( Q.Tupaea )
13 {Proctor} Ioane ( AJ Lam )
Ioane (off V England ) but Irish experience (NO not Sexton!)
14 { Tele’a} Reece (bkup W.Jordan )
11 {C.Clarke} Narawa (K.Naholo)
15 {W.Jordan} Love (Stevenson)
Go to commentsI guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
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