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Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard returns to Western Force’s First XV
By Finn Morton
Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard returns to the Western Force’s starting side as the tourists prepare to take on both Yokogawa Musashino Artemi Stars and Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix in 40-minute matches in Japan on Saturday.
Leonard recently led the Wallaroos to a historic WXV 2 title in South Africa. Jo Yapp’s Australian side got the better of Wales in their opening fixture before later beating tournament hosts South Africa and finally Scotland in the title decider.
Alapeta Ngauamo is another Wallaroos who bolsters the Force’s forward pack after being named at tighthead prop. New recruit Loretta Mailangi has also been named to start at hooker, with Braxton Walker rounding out the front row.
Rosie Ebbage joins Leonard in the middle row, while Topaz Jean Porter, Nami Dickson and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce make up the loose forwards. On the bench – with this being a 24-woman squad – keep an eye out for Australia international Sera Naiqama.
In the backs, Nicole Ledington comes into the First XV at halfback. Ledington joins vice-captain Grace Freeman In the halves, while Ngamihi Monk and Ocean Tuhua will link in the Western Force’s midfield.
Wests Scarborough winger Tizanae Kovacs has earned her first start of the Force’s Japan tour on the left edge, while 2024 ACT Women’s Player of the Year April Downey will start on the right. Sheree Hume has been named to wear the No. 15 jersey as the starting fullback.
The Force will take on Artemi Stars from 1:30 pm WST before facing the Phoenix from 2:25 pm WST. Last Sunday, the Force went down swinging 27-24 in a standalone fixture against the Phoenix, so they’ll be out to make amends in their in the final clash of their three-game tour.
Western Force team for Sunday
- Braxton Walker
- Loretta Mailangi
- Alapeta Ngauamo
- Michaela Leonard
- Rosie Ebbage
- Topaz Jean Porter
- Nami Dickson
- Brooklyn Teki-Joyce
- Nicole Ledington
- Grace Freeman (vc)
- Tizanae Kovacs
- Ngamihi Monk
- Ocean Tuhua
- April Downey
- Sheree Hume
Replacements
- Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke (c)
- Hannah Pelelei
- Allana Sikimeti
- Zoe Elliott
- Sera Naiqama
- Tamika Jones
- Georgia Cormick
- Cecilia Smith
- Leilani Hills
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Latest Comments
Haka outside NZ is by invitation and technically this invitation doesn't have to be issued although de facto always is. His argument was that a response should be allowed.
Go to commentsYou don't understand the geography JW.
Newcastle may not be compeititive right now, but they are the only club representing the north-east of England and are important as a hub for development in that area. Just like Sale in Manchester.
Everyone else is based in the Mildands, West Country or London.
I cannot see any way a Draft would work. There is no coherent College system as there is in the U.S churning out talent, so where/when would you draft from? Straight from school when players are often signed to academy deals??
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