Sevens stars Tia Hinds and Charlotte Caslick will make their run-on debuts for the Wallaroos in Saturday’s Pacific Four Series opener against the Black Ferns in Newcastle.
But arguably the biggest inclusion is the injection of Eva Karpani at tight-head prop, with the Reds recruit amassing a stunning highlights package in 2025 that continued in Suva last weekend.
Their inclusions come after Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp made seven changes to her starting XV from the side that began their year with a 43-7 win in Fiji.
Several changes have been forced, with backs Maya Stewart, Bienne Terita and Caitlyn Halse all ruled out with injury.
The injuries have seen Yapp get creative with her backline, with Hinds to start at fly-half in a move that sees Faitala Moleka move to fullback.
Caslick comes onto the right-wing to cover the loss of tryscoring machine Stewart, who was earlier this week cleared of an ACL injury but is expected to miss the entire Pacific Four series.
Experienced centre Georgina Friedrichs also returns at outside centre for Terita, who suffered another hamstring injury in the process of scoring her second try last Saturday. She will partner Cecilia Smith in the midfield.
There’s still plenty of experience and potency in the backline though, with Layne Morgan keeping the No.9 jersey and Desiree Miller once again selected on the wing.
The Wallaroos have made seven changes from the side that smashed Fiji in Suva for Saturday’s Test against the Black Ferns. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
While the changes in the backline are forced ones, Yapp has freshened up her pack and injected some experience and quality to it.
Katalina Amosa is the only front-rower to retain her spot, with the hooker joined in the starting side by Martha Fua and Karpani, who both made strong impressions off the bench last week.
Kaitlin Leaney joins Michaela Leonard in the second-row, while Emily Chancellor has been injected into the back-row alongside captain Siokapesi Palu and Tabua Tuinakauvadra.
While the Wallaroos got their year off to a flying start against a disappointing Fijian team, they will have to go up a notch if they are to chalk up their maiden win over New Zealand.
Eva Karpani will start against the Black Ferns. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The task has been made more difficult by a long and slow return trip to Fiji, where the Wallaroos spent hours at Moore Park on Sunday before eventually getting on the road to Newcastle. Meanwhile, the Black Ferns have had an easier build-up to the tournament opener.
“It’s been a busy week but we are pleased with how the players have handled the travel from Fiji to Newcastle and we’re looking forward to playing on home soil for the first time,” Yapp said.
“We’re excited to have Georgina Friedrichs back from injury and along with Kaitlan Leaney and Bridie O’Gorman returning their experience will help after losing Maya Stewart, Bienne Terita and Caitlyn Halse through injury.
“Due to our injuries this has opened the door to look at other combinations as we look to grow and develop leading into the World Cup.
“We know New Zealand will be a step up and we’ll need to be at our best on Saturday.”
Wallabies vs Blacks Ferns, 3pm Saturday
Wallaroos (1-15): Martha Fua, Katalina Amosa, Asoiva (Eva) Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard, Siokapesi Palu (c), Emily Chancellor, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Layne Morgan, Tia Hinds, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Charlotte Caslick, Faitala Moleka
Reserves: Tania Naden, Lydia Kavoa, Bridie O’Gorman, Tiarah Minns, Ashley Marsters, Natalie Wright, Trilleen Pomare, Lori Cramer
Black Ferns (1-15): Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Alana Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Layla Sae, Kennedy Tukuafu (co-c), Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Maia Joseph, Ruahei Demant (co-c), Katelyn Vahaakolo, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Amy du Plessis, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Braxton Sorensen-McGee*
Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Amy Rule, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Dhys Faleafaga, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King, Mererangi Paul
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Nine and Stan Sport have secured the rights to show the next three Rugby World Cup tournaments. A deal announced on Monday via the…
The Black Ferns’ stranglehold over the Wallaroos has continued in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon. By winning 38-12, the Black Ferns extended their unbeaten run…
Emily Chancellor was trying to make a tackle when her head came in contact with an opponent's face, but the referee ruled it to…
The Wallaroos' match against the Fijiana was a great hit out. A 43-7 win is a nice way to start the season. Heading into…
The Wallaroos’ journey to August’s World Cup has started strongly, with Jo Yapp’s women smashing Fiji 43-7 in Suva on Saturday afternoon. But Yapp…
