Wallaroos seek first-ever rugby win over Black Ferns

wallaroos seek first-ever rugby win over black ferns

Cecilia Smith has been brought in for Australia's Pacific Four match against New Zealand.

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has revamped her side as they attempt to pull off a famous victory over the Black Ferns in their final Pacific Four rugby series match.

Australia take on New Zealand at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on Saturday looking for their first win of the four-nation series, but will be without star forward Ashley Marsters because of an ankle injury.

The Wallaroos fell away in the second half of last round's clash with the USA to crash to a 32-25 loss in Melbourne, putting a massive dent in their hopes of qualifying for the WXV 1 competition which gets under way in September.

To make the six-team series, which also features the top three Six Nations sides from Europe, Australia must beat the Kiwis with a bonus point.

The Wallaroos have not toppled New Zealand in their previous 25 meetings - and lost 50-0 in their most recent clash with the Black Ferns.

But the Kiwis were surprise 22-19 losers to Canada last round, giving Yapp much to consider.

"The way Canada approached it, they came at New Zealand with a lot of line speed and shut them down really effectively - so that's something we've been focusing on," Yapp said on Thursday.

"We've challenged the players this week. We've put them under quite a few pressure situations, because that's the only way we're going to get better on field.

"The shirts are on the line - if you like - in terms of who wanted to step up, because we did lack a little bit of physicality in the last game.

"We wanted to see how players responded to that and have been really impressed across the board with how they have."

Queensland Reds captain Cecilia Smith will play her first match of the series as part of Yapp's reshuffle, starting at inside centre.

Lock Atasi Lafai and flanker Leilani Nathan will start in the forwards, shifting Kaitlan Leaney and Trilleen Pomare to the reserves.

Teenager Caitlyn Halse retains her spot at fullback after making her debut last week, with Lori Cramer dropping out of the squad and Tabua Tuinakauvadra the new face on the bench.

Yapp did not put a date on Marsters' return, with the star flanker set to undergo further assessment on Monday.

WALLAROOS: Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Michaela Leonard (c), Atasi Lafai, Siokapesi Palu, Leilani Nathan, Piper Duck, Samantha Wood, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse. Reserves: Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Sally Fuesaina, Bridie O'Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Layne Morgan, Trilleen Pomare, Faitala Moleka.

OTHER NEWS

12 minutes ago

Chiefs News: Kansas City to Partner With Hallmark on Original Romance Movie

12 minutes ago

'I Want To Be Ready!' Jets' McDonald Preparing for Breakout

12 minutes ago

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson explains controversial selection calls

12 minutes ago

Does Commanders 'Aggressive' Offseason Mean They Rank With Texans?

12 minutes ago

Dr Doireann O'Leary on the triggers that cause acne in women way past their teens

12 minutes ago

Jets' Tyron Smith To Have Plenty of Vet Days

12 minutes ago

The New VW Golf R Wagon Is All the Car You Need but Can't Have

12 minutes ago

What to expect from Deion Sanders' Colorado this season

14 minutes ago

21 million Miniverse toy sets recalled after reports of burns and respiratory irritation

18 minutes ago

Pentagon chief speaks with Russian defense minister

18 minutes ago

Boots shoppers praise £5 moisturiser that's recommended by dermatologists and 'saves' skin

18 minutes ago

An offseason checklist for the Edmonton Oilers

19 minutes ago

Julian Assange’s eye-watering bill to fly free

19 minutes ago

Deschamps admits ‘we deserve to be second’ but expects France to click

19 minutes ago

‘Wholly unsuitable’ outdoor dining area removed following shock closure of Wexford pub

19 minutes ago

How do you spot an innovation stock?

19 minutes ago

Maguire lauds Latrell impact on Blues' Origin focus

19 minutes ago

Championship revenue exceeds wages - Deloitte report

19 minutes ago

Heartache for Dutch golfers denied Olympics by their own country: 'We don't think you're worthy'

19 minutes ago

MCG specialist addresses Maroons

19 minutes ago

4,000 missiles, 72-hour outages: Northern Israeli mayor warns of 'blackout scenario'

19 minutes ago

Patriots Reveal Full Training Camp Schedule, Joint Practice With NFC Contender

19 minutes ago

Senator Payman crossing floor a ‘big test’ for PM’s leadership: Sussan Ley

19 minutes ago

Gareth Southgate claims England fans are creating ‘unusual environment’

19 minutes ago

Crowded wildlife rehab center in Plano seeks community help

19 minutes ago

Assange’s eye-watering bill for freedom

19 minutes ago

Nuclear energy is the 'fastest way' to reduce emissions

19 minutes ago

Texans Helping Texans | Houston chef helps others break into the food industry

19 minutes ago

Assistant referee faints in Peru v Canada Copa America clash

19 minutes ago

Economists raise China growth forecasts as exports improve

22 minutes ago

How Origin coaches are feeling on game day

22 minutes ago

That’s a Wrap! The Best of Sydney Whisky Month Revealed

22 minutes ago

Australia miss out when it matters at T20 World Cup as David Warner bids farewell

25 minutes ago

Top of the FLOPS! L'Equipe hand one England star a 3/10 in their brutal ratings after drab 0-0 draw with Slovenia... but which player was deemed 'essential' to Euro 2024 hopes?

25 minutes ago

Cricket's integrity has been TRASHED as India receive helping hand for their T20 World Cup semi-final showdown with England, writes LAWRENCE BOOTH

25 minutes ago

From Centre Court to Euro 2024! Novak Djokovic jets into Munich to cheer on Serbia just hours after the tennis superstar practiced at Wimbledon as he continues recovery from knee surgery

25 minutes ago

Video: Gavin Newsom blasts 'delusional California bashers' as he boasts about 'weird, wild, free-spirited' state that produced Metallica, Kendrick Lamar, blue jeans and Barbie - but there's on big problem with his speech

25 minutes ago

Flood watch issued for parts of Chicago area as strong-to-severe storms possible

28 minutes ago

Tom Selleck and ‘Blue Bloods’ crew to celebrate after filming series finale

29 minutes ago

Australia's Warner bows out of international cricket