Michaela Leonard set to reach Wallaroos landmark against Scotland in WXV

Michaela Leonard will become the first player to reach 50 Test caps for the Wallaroos when she starts against Scotland in Edinburgh this weekend.

The lock, who became the most-capped Australian woman in April, has featured in 49 of the 102 Wallaroos Test matches that have been played since 1994.

She starts in the second row alongside Kaitlan Leaney as Australia look for their first win of WXV Global Series 2026. In total five changes have been made to the matchday 23 that was beaten 29-26 by France a week ago in Aix-en-Provence.

Brianna Hoy has returned to the starting XV, while Bridie O’Goman, Emily Chancellor and Lily Bone are all named among the replacements.

Jemma Bemrose is included on the bench too, where loosehead replacement Martha Fua joins her. The front-rower is in line to make her first appearance of the European tour.

There are no changes to the backs, where Desiree Miller can become the first Wallaroo to score 100 points if she registers four points this weekend.

Tim Walsh, Director of Women’s High Performance, said: “Statistically and objectively we have improved considerably throughout the last three Test matches and continuing on this tangent is our objective. In terms of milestones we will celebrate with Michaela Leonard as she runs out onto the field for her record-breaking 50th Test.”

2026 WXV Global Series | Wallaroos matchday squad v Scotland

15. Caitlyn Halse – #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 17 caps
14. Amelia Whitaker – #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 2 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 44 caps
12. Faitala Moleka – #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 33 caps
11. Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 30 caps
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 9 caps
9. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 18 caps
1. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 16 caps
2. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 6 caps
3. Faliki Pohiva – #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 13 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 42 caps
5. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 49 caps
6. Pia Tapsell – #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 3 caps
7. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 29 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 30 caps

Replacements
16. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 32 caps
17. Martha Fua – #223 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman – #180 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 42 caps
19. Jemma Bemrose – #238 (Queensland Reds/Palm Beach Currumbin Alligators) – 1 cap
20. Emily Chancellor – #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 39 caps
21. Lily Bone – #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 5 caps
22. Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 13 caps
23. Ava Wereta – #233 (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 3 caps