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Stewart returns to Wallaroos starting XV against Wales
By AAP
Head coach Jay Tregonning has made one change to his starting XV from last week's victory over France as the Wallaroos prepare to face Wales in Auckland.
Maya Stewart returns in place of teenager Desiree Miller on the wing having recovered from a nasty head clash during Australia's WXV1 tournament-opening loss against England on October 20.
"Maya has progressed through her return-to play protocols following her concussion without missing a beat and we (will) see what she is capable of," Tregonning said.
Among the reserves for Friday's clash with the Welsh, Lori Cramer returns after recovering from a knee injury, while Bridie O'Gorman has completed her two-match suspension.
Jay Huriwai replaces Sarah Dougherty after missing Australia's two previous WXV1 games.
Tregonning says last week's 29-20 win over world No.3 France in Dunedin has boosted the Wallaroos' belief against a Wales side who opened their tournament with a 70-7 humbling by hosts New Zealand.
"We've taken plenty of confidence from the win," he said.
"But we know Wales are now in the same position we were a week ago and will be looking to respond this weekend," he said.
WALLAROOS SQUAD TO PLAY WALES
Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Sera Naiqama, Michaela Leonard (capt), Siokapesi Palu, Emily Chancellor, Kaitlan Leaney, Layne Morgan, Carys Dallinger, Ivania Wong, Arabella McKenzie, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Faitala Moleka. Res: Adiana Talakai, Bree-Anna Cheatham, Bridie O'Gorman, Atasi Lafai, Ashley Marsters, Jay Huriwai, Cecilia Smith, Lori Cramer.
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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