The coaching staff, led by Jo Yapp, has opted to place the two most experienced players in Wallaroos history on the substitutes’ bench for this weekend’s quarter-final clash with Canada. Ashley Marsters and Trilleen Pomare are expected to contribute significantly as impact players, collectively bringing 86 Test appearances to the team.
Marsters was in the starting lineup at openside flanker during Australia’s pool stage match against England, while Pomare featured in the centres alongside Georgina Friedrichs. With qualification for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup at stake, the decision to add seasoned players to the bench appears to be a strategic move.
In their previous match last Sunday, England needed 31 minutes to break the deadlock, subsequently securing a convincing 47-7 victory. Australia was unable to register any points in the second half, although Tabua Tuinakauvadra showed promise as a replacement player.
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Emily Chancellor has been selected to start in the First XV, taking Marsters’ place at openside, while Cecilia Smith, a 27-Test veteran at inside centre, also returns to the starting lineup. The starting fifteen boasts a wealth of experience, with a combined total of over 375 caps.
Lydia Kavoa has recovered from a minor injury and will start at loosehead prop, while Adiana Talakai and Asoiva Karpani complete the front row. For the fourth consecutive match at this World Cup, Kaitlan Leaney will form a partnership with Michaela Leonard in the second row.
Piper Duck retains her starting position at blindside flanker, with Chancellor playing at openside. Captain Siokapesi Palu will complete the back-row at the No. 8 position, while Marsters and Tuinakauvadra will be aiming to make an impact in the loose forwards when they are called upon.
Samantha Wood and Faitala Moleka are set to play in the halves, with Smith and Friedrichs forming the midfield partnership. Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart will occupy the two wing positions, while Caitlyn Halse, who is 18 years old, will wear the No. 15 jersey.
On the bench, hooker Katalina Amosa and lock Ashley Fernandez have been included in the matchday 23 once again.
“We recognize that the match against England last week resulted in a loss, but our objective was to reach the quarter-finals and provide ourselves with an opportunity, which the players have successfully achieved,” Yapp stated.
“We initiated the game against England with effective game management and our aim is to maintain that level of performance for extended periods during this week’s match.
“Our training focus is primarily on our own performance. Canada is known for their physicality and their inclination to move the ball, so we are eager to take on the challenge.”
In order to advance to the final four in this Rugby World Cup, the Wallaroos will need to achieve something they have not managed to do before – defeat Canada. The two teams previously faced each other in the Pacific Four Series earlier this year, with the Canadians securing a decisive victory.
Australia team to take on Canada at 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup
1. Lydia Kavoa (#214 – Eastern Suburbs) – 11 caps
2. Adiana Talakai (#182 – Sydney University) – 20 caps
3. Asoiva Karpani (#171 – Southern Suburbs) – 40 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – SCU Marlins) – 34 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 41 caps
6. Piper Duck (#185 – Tumut Bullettes) – 21 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 – Sydney University) – 33 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 – Rockdale Rangers) – 22 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 – Kalamunda Rugby) – 10 cap
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 25 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 22 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 27 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 37 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – Nelson Bay Gropers) – 21 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Camden Rams) – 14 caps
Replacements
16. Katalina Amosa (#218 – Southern Districts) – 8 caps
17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 7 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 36 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – Uni-North Owls) – 5 caps
20. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 44 caps
21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 21 caps
22. Tia Hinds (#222 – Randwick) – 9 caps
23. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 42 caps
