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New captain as Wallaroos continue Rugby World Cup prep against Wales
By Finn Morton
Waratahs skipper Emily Chancellor will captain the national side for the first time this weekend, set to lead the Wallaroos into battle against Wales in Brisbane. This is the first of two Tests between the teams, with the other taking place in Sydney next week.
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Coach Jo Yapp has made six changes to the team after the loss to New Zealand a fortnight ago, with usual captain Siokapesi Palu and three-time Olympian Charlotte Caslick both sustaining injuries at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.
Chancellor will become the 19th Wallaroos captain in history. This team also includes Georgina Friedrichs at outside centre, while Michaela Leonard and Faitala Moleka have both been rested ahead of the Rugby World Cup next month.
Lydia Kavoa joins Katalina Amosa and Bridie O’Gorman in the front row, while Kaitlan Leaney and Annabella Codey round out the tight five. In the backrow, Chancellor joins highly-experienced flanker Ashley Marster sand Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
Layne Morgan will link up with Australia Sevens ace Tia Hinds in the halves, while Trilleen Pomare partners Friedrichs in the midfield. Desiree Miller and Waiaria Ellis are the two wingers, with Caitlyn Halse named at fullback.
“We’re looking forward to playing these final two Test matches on home soil before the World Cup begins,” Yapp said in a statement.
“Injuries have forced our hand with a few changes for the series but it also gives opportunities to other players ahead of the World Cup.
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“While disappointing to lose a leader like Siokapesi Palu, we are fortunate to have someone like Emily Chancellor be able to step up in her place and lead the team.
“Emily is a natural leader and has worked closely throughout this season with Siokapesi.”
Australia defeated Wales 37-5 during their run to the WXV 2 title last year. The Wallabies boast an impressive 7-1 record against the Welsh in history.
This match in Brisbane will get underway at 2:00 pm AEST on Saturday.
Wallaroos team to take on Wales
1. Lydia Kavoa (#214 – Eastern Suburbs) – 7 caps
2. Katalina Amosa (#218 – Southern Districts) – 4 caps
3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 31 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – SCU Marlins) – 29 caps
5. Annabelle Codey (#189 – Easts Brisbane) – 6 caps
6. Emily Chancellor (c) (Sydney University) – 28 caps
7. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 39 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 16 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 34 caps
10. Tia Hinds (#222 – Randwick) – 4 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 17 caps
12. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 38 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 32 caps
14. Waiaria Ellis (#225 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 1 cap
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Camden Rams) – 9 caps
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Reserves
16. Tania Naden (#197 – Uni-North Owls) – 23 caps
17. Bree-Anna Browne (#193 – Brothers Rugby) – 12 caps
18. Asoiva (Eva) Karpani (#171 – Southern Suburbs) – 36 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – Uni-North Owls) – 2 caps
20. Piper Duck (#185 – Tumut Bullettes) – 16 caps
21. Samantha Wood (#207 – Kalamunda Rugby) – 5 caps
22. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 23 caps
23. Lori Cramer (#172 – University of Queensland) – 29 caps
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