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Wallaroos ready to ‘stamp our mark’ against champion Black Ferns

26 Jun 2023

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Lock Michaela Leonard will captain the Wallaroos for the first time later this week when Australia host Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand in Redcliffe.

Head coach Jay Tregonning has confirmed the matchday 23 to take on the reigning world champions in the Wallaroos’ opening match of both the Pacific Four Series and the O’Reilly Cup.

With captain Piper Duck still out – with the Waratahs backrower sustaining an injury blow during Super W – Leonard has been given the captaincy for the first time in a Test match.

The Western Force lock will lead the team out onto Kayo Stadium in Queensland on Thursday evening, and Waratahs centre Georgina Friedrichs will take up the role of vice-captain.

“The energy has been really positive during our first week of camp,” Leonard said.

“The girls are eager for the opportunity to start our Pacific Four campaign off against the Rugby World Cup champions, the Black Ferns.

“Playing on home soil is always special, and gives us a chance to stamp our mark on the tournament before we head off to Canada.”

Three different Super W clubs will be represented in the Wallaroos’ starting front row, with Reds prop Bree-Anna Cheatham set to pack down alongside Brumbies hooker Tania Naden and Waratahs tighthead Eva Karpani.

Captain Leonard will run out in the No. 4 jersey, and will be joined by Queensland Reds lock Annabelle Codey in the second row.

Kaitlan Leaney has been named for her first Test match of the year after a successful stint with Harlequins in England. Leaney replaces the retired Shannon Parry in the Wallaroos’ backrow.

Leaney joins the experienced duo of Ashley Marsters and Grace Hamilton in a formidable backrow trio.

Waratahs halfback Layne Morgan will start in the halves alongside New Zealand-born playmaker Carys Dallinger, who has retained her spot in the No. 10 jersey.

Reds duo Ivania Wong and Cecilia Smith will take their place in the backs alongside Waratahs pair Georgina Friedrichs and electric winger Maya Stewart. Fullback Faitala Moleka will add to her one-Test cap on Thursday.

The Wallaroos have also named a strong bench, including Emily Chancellor and Arabella McKenzie – with both players also returning from overseas duty with Harlequins.

“We’re looking forward to going up against the world champions,” coach Jay Tregonning said in a statement.

“I’ve been impressed by Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor and Arabella McKenzie, who have developed their skills during their time with the Harlequins in England.

“The squad has continued to grow and learn in the wake of our win in Sydney earlier this year – now it’s time to test that knowledge.”

The match between the Wallaroos and Black Ferns will get underway at 7.00 pm AEST on Thursday at Kayo Stadium in Moreton Bay, Queensland.

Wallaroos team to take on Black Ferns

Bree-Anna Cheatham
Tania Naden
Eva Karpani
Michaela Leonard (c)
Annabelle Codey
Kaitlan Leaney
Ashley Marsters
Grace Hamilton
Layne Morgan
Carys Dallinger
Ivania Wong
Cecilia Smith
Georgina Friedrichs
Maya Stewart
Faitala Moleka

Replacements:

Madison Schuck
Emily Robinson
Bridie O’Gorman
Sera Naiqama
Emily Chancellor
Jasmin Huriwai
Arabella McKenzie
Alana Elisaia

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 1 day ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 1 day ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 1 day ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 1 day ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 1 day ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 1 day ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 1 day ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍