18-year-old in line for Wallaroos debut against Ilona Maher’s USA

Teenager Ruby Anderson is in line to debut for the Wallaroos after being named on the bench for this weekend’s clash with Ilona Maher’s USA on Saturday. Anderson’s inclusion is one of four changes to the team that was beaten by the Black Ferns last weekend in Newcastle.

Anderson, who only recently turned 18, started playing the sport for Avoca Rugby Club as a nine-year-old before later suiting up for Sydney University and the NSW Waratahs. The loose forward has been named on a star-studded bench, including Tahs captain Emily Chancellor.

Coach Jo Yapp has re-shuffled a few other positions, with three players returning after missing the Test at McDonald Jones Stadium. Caitlyn Halse is back at fullback, with that selection moving Faitala Moleka to fly-half.

Tania Naden has been handed a start ahead of Katalina Amosa at hooker, and Chancellor drops to the reserves to allow for Ahsley Marsters’ inclusion in the run-on side at openside flanker. HSBC SVNS Series playmaker Tia Hinds has been left out of the 23 altogether.

“There were some positive signs last week for us to build on and also some areas we have needed to hone in and really focus on,” coach Jo Yapp said in a statement.

“USA will provide us with another challenge on Saturday and given we play them at World Cup it will be a good test to see where we’re placed.

“Caitlyn Halse returns from injury this weekend and we’re also excited for Ruby Anderson to make her debut.

“The Wallaroos haven’t played in Canberra since 2008 so the players are looking forward to playing at GIO Stadium for the first time.”

Bree-Anna Brown joins Naden and 33-Test veteran Eva Karpan in the front-row, while Kaitlan Leaney and Michaela Leonard round out the tight five as the two locks. In the backrow, captain Siokapesi Palu and Tabua Tuinakauvadra join Marsters in the starting side.

Layne Morgan has been retained at halfback after impressing last weekend, and will link up with Moleka in the halves. Cecilia Smith and Georgina Fredrichs are the two midfielders, while Desiree Miller and Charlotte Caslick hold their spots on the wings.

This match at Canberra’s GIO Stadium will get underway at 4:55 pm AEST on Saturday.

Wallaroos to take on the USA

1. Bree-Anna Browne (#193 – Brothers Rugby) – 9 caps
2. Tania Naden (#197 – Uni-North Owls) – 21 caps
3. Asoiva (Eva) Karpani (#171 – Southern Suburbs) – 33 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – CSU Marlins) – 26 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 34 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 – Rockdale Rangers) – 18 caps
7. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 36 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 13 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 31 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 18 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 14 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 21 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 30 caps
14. Charlotte Caslick (#220 – Wests Bulldogs) – 2 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Camden Rams) – 6 caps

Reserves

16. Katalina Amosa (#218 – Southern Districts) – 2 caps
17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 1 cap
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 28 caps
19. Emily Chancellor (#158 – Sydney University) – 25 caps
20. Ruby Anderson (Avoca Beach Rugby) – debut
21. Natalie Wright (#213 – Wests Bulldogs) – 5 caps
22. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 35 caps
23. Lori Cramer (#172 – University of Queensland) – 28 caps