'Little Eva would be so proud': Karpani set for historic Wallaroos milestone

On Friday night in Canberra, Eva Karpani will become just the second Wallaroo to earn 50 Test caps when she comes off the bench against Scotland at GIO Stadium.

Last month, Michaela Leonard achieved the same milestone against the same opposition in Edinburgh.

The Wallaroos are aiming to complete a WXV Global Series clean sweep against Scotland. Their 30-10 win in Edinburgh was followed by a 56-12 victory in Sydney last weekend.

Karpani made her Wallaroos debut against Japan seven years ago and has scored 16 tries for her country, placing her third on the all-time try-scorers list behind Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart.

The 30-year-old first made her mark at Uni 7s nine years ago alongside Charlotte Caslick and Emma Verran before transitioning into a specialist front-row.

“It’s pretty surreal, and I’m completely honoured but also very excited to have another opportunity to put this jersey on,” Karpani said.

“When I debuted [for the Wallaroos], it was my first year as a tighthead prop, so little Eva would be so proud. I’ve come a long way.”

An injury to Miller means the 24-year-old will miss the match in the nation’s capital. Faitala Moleka moves into the back three alongside Stewart and Amelia Whitaker.

Allana Sikimeti, Tania Naden and Faliki Pohiva form the front row, while Kaitlan Leaney and Tiarah Minns pack down in the second row. Emily Chancellor starts in the back row ahead of her final Test.

Cecilia Smith will also make her final international appearance for the Wallaroos this weekend, lining up at centre alongside Georgina Friedrichs.

The fixture will provide another opportunity for Karpani to represent her Adelaide roots and help grow rugby in South Australia.

“I take so much pride and I hope it continues to inspire the next generation, especially young girls and boys from South Australia,” Karpani said.

“From being from a small state and predominantly being AFL and netball, I hope that more girls come through these ranks and I can inspire them to continue to want to do this pathway of rugby.

“My biggest advice is trust yourself before anyone else and also dreams do come true. I think playing for Australia is a pretty cool dream to have.

“I think just knuckle down and [know] you’ll have your village there to support you, it’ll get you through it. There are highs and lows, but at the end of the day, I promise you, it is worth it.”