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Wallaroos inject some pace into team for Black Ferns rematch
The Wallaroos hope two personnel changes can help close the gap on the Black Ferns in the second women’s rugby Test in Auckland on Saturday.
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Coach Dwayne Nestor has introduced speedy fullback Mhicca Carter and flanker Shannon Mato for the Eden Park return match, banking on their injection to spark improvements across the board following the 47-10 loss in Perth.
Australia have no chance of winning the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy but Nestor wants more fight, believing his side were “bullied” by the world champions.
“We were disappointed with the performance we put out last week as we know that wasn’t our best rugby,” Nestor said.
“Bringing Shannon into the starting side, just changes things up for us a bit in the backrow and we know Mhicca has got some explosive speed that can match her opposite numbers.”
One change on the bench sees the return of experienced Brumbies second-rower Michelle Milward.
Like last week, the match will be played before the men’s Bledisloe Cup Test.
Wallaroos: Mhicca Carter, Mahalia Murphy, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilia, Lori Cramer, Trilleen Pomara, Georgia Cormick, Grace Hamilton (c), Shannon Mato, Millie Boyle, Alisha Hewett, Michaela Leonard, Evelyn Horomia, Averyl Mitchell, Liz Patu. Reserves: Ash Marsters, Emily Robinson, Christina Sekona, Michelle Milward, Emily Chancellor, Iliseva Batibasaga, Arabella McKenzie, Samantha Treherne.
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– AAP
