Wallaroos ready to ‘stamp our mark’ against champion Black Ferns

Lock Michaela Leonard will captain the Wallaroos for the first time later this week when Australia host Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand in Redcliffe.

Head coach Jay Tregonning has confirmed the matchday 23 to take on the reigning world champions in the Wallaroos’ opening match of both the Pacific Four Series and the O’Reilly Cup.

With captain Piper Duck still out – with the Waratahs backrower sustaining an injury blow during Super W – Leonard has been given the captaincy for the first time in a Test match.

The Western Force lock will lead the team out onto Kayo Stadium in Queensland on Thursday evening, and Waratahs centre Georgina Friedrichs will take up the role of vice-captain.

“The energy has been really positive during our first week of camp,” Leonard said.

“The girls are eager for the opportunity to start our Pacific Four campaign off against the Rugby World Cup champions, the Black Ferns.

“Playing on home soil is always special, and gives us a chance to stamp our mark on the tournament before we head off to Canada.”

Three different Super W clubs will be represented in the Wallaroos’ starting front row, with Reds prop Bree-Anna Cheatham set to pack down alongside Brumbies hooker Tania Naden and Waratahs tighthead Eva Karpani.

Captain Leonard will run out in the No. 4 jersey, and will be joined by Queensland Reds lock Annabelle Codey in the second row.

Kaitlan Leaney has been named for her first Test match of the year after a successful stint with Harlequins in England. Leaney replaces the retired Shannon Parry in the Wallaroos’ backrow.

Leaney joins the experienced duo of Ashley Marsters and Grace Hamilton in a formidable backrow trio.

Waratahs halfback Layne Morgan will start in the halves alongside New Zealand-born playmaker Carys Dallinger, who has retained her spot in the No. 10 jersey.

Reds duo Ivania Wong and Cecilia Smith will take their place in the backs alongside Waratahs pair Georgina Friedrichs and electric winger Maya Stewart. Fullback Faitala Moleka will add to her one-Test cap on Thursday.

The Wallaroos have also named a strong bench, including Emily Chancellor and Arabella McKenzie – with both players also returning from overseas duty with Harlequins.

“We’re looking forward to going up against the world champions,” coach Jay Tregonning said in a statement.

“I’ve been impressed by Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor and Arabella McKenzie, who have developed their skills during their time with the Harlequins in England.

“The squad has continued to grow and learn in the wake of our win in Sydney earlier this year – now it’s time to test that knowledge.”

The match between the Wallaroos and Black Ferns will get underway at 7.00 pm AEST on Thursday at Kayo Stadium in Moreton Bay, Queensland.

Wallaroos team to take on Black Ferns

1. Bree-Anna Cheatham
2. Tania Naden
3. Eva Karpani
4. Michaela Leonard (c)
5. Annabelle Codey
6. Kaitlan Leaney
7. Ashley Marsters
8. Grace Hamilton
9. Layne Morgan
10. Carys Dallinger
11. Ivania Wong
12. Cecilia Smith
13. Georgina Friedrichs
14. Maya Stewart
15. Faitala Moleka

Replacements:

16. Madison Schuck
17. Emily Robinson
18. Bridie O’Gorman
19. Sera Naiqama
20. Emily Chancellor
21. Jasmin Huriwai
22. Arabella McKenzie
23. Alana Elisaia