Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The Wallaroos have turned to experience as they open the Pacific Four rugby series with a huge challenge against world No.2 Canada.
The four-team tournament features Australia, Canada, defending champions New Zealand and USA, with the first matches this weekend in Sacramento in the United States.
The Australian women have never beaten Canada, who finished runner-up at last year’s Rugby World Cup, falling 46-5 in their quarter-final meeting at that tournament.
Interim Wallaroos coach Sam Needs has called on Michaela Leonard, Georgina Friedrichs and Desiree Miller for the match, returning the experienced trio to the starting side after being eased into Test match football last month.Friedrichs will reach her 40th Test milestone while the team will look to winger Miller to continue her try-scoring record against the Canucks, with two in her past two matches.
Nicole Ledington retains her spot at 10 after a strong debut while Sevens convert Sidney Taylor shifts from outside centre to 12 with Friedrichs’ return.
Tiarah Minns and Waiaria Ellis will play their first Tests of the year, as the only new faces in the squad that defeated Fijiana 33-15 in Canberra last month.
Both are set to play their fourth Tests, Minns will start in the second row while 18-year-old utility back Ellis has been named on the bench.
“We’ve settled into the US and have trained really well with a healthy squad to choose from,” Needs said.”There’s been intense competition for spots that’s only bringing the best out in players.”Canada are a great side but for us this week it’s about sticking to our processes and building upon the win against Fijiana. “It’s great for Tiarah Minns and Waiaria Ellis to each get another opportunity with the side and we’re all excited to play well on Saturday.”
The match is Sunday 12pm (AEST) before the tournament shifts to Kansas City for round two.
Wallaroos: Brianna Hoy, Adiana Talakai, Bridie O’Gorman, Michaela Leonard, Tiarah Minns, Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor, Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c), Samantha Wood, Nicole Ledington, Desiree Miller, Sidney Taylor, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Faitala Moleka. Res: Brittany Merlo, Faliki Pohiva, Eva Karpani, Ashley Fernandez, Lily Bone, Piper Duck, Waiaria Ellis, Cecilia Smith.
