Michaela Leonard to become most-capped Wallaroo in Anzac Day Test

Michaela Leonard is set to become the all-time appearance leader for the Wallaroos, breaking the record previously held by Ashley Marsters after being named to start at lock against the Black Ferns on Anzac Day.

Leonard has played in 45 of a possible 47 matches for the Wallaroos since debuting against Japan at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium in 2019. The second-rower equalled the appearance record after coming on as a replacement against the USA last weekend in Kansas City.

The 31-year-old, who captained the Wallaroos between 2023 and 2024, will don Wallaroos gold for the 46^th time this weekend. Interim coach Sam Needs has named Leonard in the First XV for a historic Anzac clash with the Black Ferns at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Needs has welcomed Lily Bone, Brittany Merlo, Ashley Fernandez and Piper Simons back into the matchday 23, while Martha Fua has come in as a replacement for Faliki Pohiva. Pohiva has been ruled out after sustaining a foot injury.

Three-Test playmaker Nicole Ledington shifts to the bench, with Faitala Moleka set to wear the No. 10 jersey for the first time since the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. That change has opened the door for Waiaria Ellis to start at fullback for the first time.

Ellis joins Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart in the back three, while Sidney Taylor and Georgina Friedrichs have been retained in the midfield. Samantha Wood has been named at scrum-half, set to link up with Moleka.

Leonard headlines a forward pack that boasts plenty of Test experience, with 28-Test hooker Tania Naden and 44-Test prop Eva Karpani packing down in the front row. Biranna Hoy, who has made 12 appearances for the Wallaroos, has been selected at loosehead.

Leonard partners Tiarah Minns in the second row, with 38-Test utility Kaitlan Leaney moving back to blindside flanker from lock. Lily Bone has been selected at openside flanker, with captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona shifting to No. 8.

“Playing on Anzac Day is a significant moment for our sport and the players and staff are incredibly honoured by the opportunity to represent our nation on a commemorative day,” Needs said.

“We are looking to finish our Pacific Four series strong after  returning from the US trip with lifelong memories and experiences.

“We’d also like to congratulate Michaela Leonard. It’s an incredible achievement for Michaela to become the most-capped Wallaroo and a credit to her longevity and determination to get better every day.”

Wallaroos team to take on Black Ferns

1. Brianna Hoy (#203 – NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 12 caps
2. Tania Naden (#197 – ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 28 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 – Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 44 caps
4. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 45 caps
5. Tiarah Minns (#217 – Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 5 caps
6. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 38 caps
7. Lily Bone (#229 – ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 2 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) (#194 – ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 26 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 – Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 14 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 29 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 26 caps
12. Sidney Taylor (#227 – Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs) – 3 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 41 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 25 caps
15. Waiaria Ellis (#225 – NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 5 caps

Replacements 

16. Brittany Merlo (#230 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 2 caps
17. Martha Fua (#223 – ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 2 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 40 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 8 caps
20. Piper Duck (#185 – NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 25 caps
21. Piper Simons (#231 – NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby) – 1 cap
22. Ava Wereta (#233 – Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 1 cap
23. Nicole Ledington (#226 – Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 3 caps