NZ-born flyhalf Carys Dallinger set for Wallaroos debut against Fiji

New Zealander Carys Dallinger will don Wallaroos gold for the first time on Saturday when Australia host Fiji at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

In the Wallaroos’ first Test match of 2023, head coach Jay Tregonning has named four debutants in his matchday 23 to take on the Fijiana.

Along with Dallinger – who, as previously reported, once dreamt of playing for the Black Ferns – Brumbies outside back Faitala Moleka will debut in the No. 15 jersey.

Brumbies duo Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Jasmin Huriwai will also debut for the Australian national team should they come off the bench.

Prop Bree-Anna Cheatham will pack down in the starting front-row alongside Waratahs pair Adiana Talakai and Eva Karpani.

Michaela Leonard has been named at lock, and is the sole representative from the Western Force in the matchday 23. Leonard will combine with Annabelle Codey in the second row.

Melbourne Rebels Super W captain Ashley Marsters will start at blindside flanker, while retiring captain Shannon Parry and Grace Hamilton complete the loose forward trio.

Ahead of her final Test match in Wallaroos gold, captain Shannon Parry described the occasion as “bittersweet.”

“It’ been a bittersweet mix of emotions, working towards my final Test match,” Parry said in a statement.

“I’m welcoming the opportunity or lead out the Wallaroos one lats time – I’m glad the match is on home soil, where I can mark this occasion with my partner, family and friends.

“Going up against Fijiana is always a physical contest, but we’ve been preparing for that and we’re all working toward the same goal for this weekend.

“The girls can’t wait to rip in and kick off the 2023 season with a strong performance.”

Waratahs halfback Layne Morgan will link up with Carys Dallinger in the halves, as they look to provide quality ball for a star-studded backline.

Winger Ivania Wong and Maya Stewart have speed to burn, with both players showcasing their try-scoring ability during impressive Super W campaigns this year.

Cecilia Smith and Georgina Friedrichs will combine in the midfield, while debutant Faitala Moleka will start out the back.

“The coaching staff and I have been impressed by the standard set at our first camp of the year,” head coach Jay Tregonning said.

“There was fierce competition for each spot, and the girls worked hard to earn their places in the starting XV.

“There’s a good mix of emerging and established talent in the team, and I’m looking forward to Saturday’s contest.”

The match is set to get underway at 5.00pm AEST on Saturday at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.

Wallaroos team to take on Fiji

1. Bree-Anna Cheatham
2. Adiana Talakai
3. Eva Karpani
4. Michaela Leonard
5. Annabelle Codey
6. Ashley Marsters
7. Shannon Parry (c)
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. Tania Naden
17. Emily Robinson
18. Bridie O’Gorman
19. Sera Naiqama
20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra
21. Jasmin Huriwai
22. Siokapesi Palu
23. Alana Elisaia