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Leonard set to equal Wallaroos record, three debutants named to face USA
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Interim coach Sam Needs has named three potential debutants in the Wallaroos matchday 23 to take on the USA Women’s Eagles in Kansas City. Michaela Leonard is also set to equal the all-time Wallaroos appearance record after being named on the bench.
Dillyn Blackburn, Ella Ryan and Ava Wereta are in line to make their international debuts at CPKC Stadium on Saturday evening, as the Wallaroos prepare to take on the USA for the first time in almost eight months.
These two teams played out an all-time epic at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, held to a 31-all draw at York Community Stadium. The Wallaroos ended up qualifying for the quarter-finals on points difference, facing world no. 2 Canada in Bristol.
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That was the latest in a series of closely fought matches between the Wallaroos and the USA, with scrum-half Samantha Wood commenting on the rivalry earlier this week. “They’ve all been close matches so I think we’re looking to pull away now,” Wood told reporters.
Coach Needs has made four personnel changes to the side that lost to Canada in the opening round of the Pacific Four Series. World Cup hooker Tania Naden has overcome a knee injury and is now set to play a Test for the first time in 2026.
Brianna Hoy joins Naden and 43-Test prop Eva Karpani in the front row, while Kaitlan Leaney returns to the second row with Tiarah Minns. Captain Siokapesi Palu and Emily Chancellor line up on the flanks once again, while Piper Duck has been promoted to the First XV.
Wood joins Western Force teammate Nicole Ledington in the halves, while Australia Sevens representative Sidney Taylor combines with Georgia Friedrichs in the midfield. Desire Miller and Maya Stewart start on the wings, with Faitala Moleka retained at fullback.
Leonard is in line to equal Ashley Marsters all-time Wallaroos appearance record, set to play Test number 45 should she take the field. The second-rower joins the likes of 39-Test prop Bridie O’Gorman and 23-Test hooker Adiana Talakai in the reserves.
“We had some great moments last week despite the conditions and are looking to sharpen up some other areas against the Americans,” Needs said.
“The clashes between both sides of late have been close, competitive and we expect the same on their home turf in Kansas on Friday.
“It’s really exciting to have three debutants in our 23, and we look forward to seeing them make the most of their opportunities at the next level.”
Wallaroos team to take on USA Women’s Eagles
1. Brianna Hoy (#203 – NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 11 caps
2. Tania Naden (197 – ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 27 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 – Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 43 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 37 caps
5. Tiarah Minns (#217 – Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 4 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) (#194 – ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 25 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 36 caps
8. Piper Duck (#185 – NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 24 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 – Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 13 caps
10. Nicole Ledington (#226 – Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 2 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 25 caps
12. Sidney Taylor (#227 – Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs) – 2 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 40 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 24 caps
15. Faitala Moleka (#199 – ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 28 caps
Replacements
16. Adiana Talakai (#182 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 23 caps
17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 9 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 39 caps
19. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 44 caps
20. Dillyn Blackburn* (Queensland Reds/Gympie Hammers) – debut
21. Ella Ryan* (ACT Brumbies/Canberra Royals) – debut
22. Ava Wereta* (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – debut
23. Waiaria Ellis (#225 – NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps
