Three set for Wallaroos debuts

Coach Jo Yapp has named her first Wallaroos team, including three possible debutantes, to take on Canada in the opening match of the Pacific Four rugby series in Sydney.

The former England test halfback, who took over as women’s national coach late last year, has included Brumbies prop Sally Fuesaina and Force pair Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and Samantha Wood on the bench for Saturday’s game at Allianz Stadium.

Hooker Malcolm Heke and teenage halfback Wood were standouts for the Force in Super Rugby Women this year.

Fuesaina is set for her first international at the age of 32.

Yapp has named a mostly experienced line-up to take on the world No 4 side.

The Wallaroos will be captained by Force lock Michaela Leonard.

The backline is stacked with Waratahs players after their Super Women’s championship win, including halves Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie.

Queensland veteran Lori Cramer will start at fullback and the Force’s Trilleen Pomare is at second-five for the Australians.

Piper Duck will return to the test fold at No 8 after missing the 2023 season through injury, with Bridie O’Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney and Ashley Marsters are also in the pack.

“We’re really happy with how the squad has connected over the past week and training in Blacktown has been a great environment for the players to prepare in camp,” Yapp said in a statement.

“Hera-Barb, Sam and Sally are all deserving of their opportunity to make their debut and I’m looking forward to them making an impact.

“The girls are excited to play their first test match of the year and put in a good performance.”

The Wallaroos haven’t beaten Canada since 2014, with the visitors ranked one place higher in the world standings than Australia.

Following the clash against Canada, the Wallaroos will shift to Melbourne where they will take on the USA at AAMI Park on May 17.

The final match of their series will be played in Auckland against New Zealand on May 25. Wallaroos squad: Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Bridie O’Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (c), Siokapesi Palu, Ashley Marsters, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Trilleen Pomare, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Lori Cramer. Reserves: Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Sally Fuesaina, Eva Karpani, Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Samantha Wood, Faitala Moleka.