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Most-capped Wallaroos duo benched for Canada quarter-final
By Finn Morton reporting from Bristol
Coach Jo Yapp has shifted the two most-capped players in Wallaroos history to the bench for this weekend’s quarter-final against Canada. Ashley Marsters and Trilleen Pomare will look to make a difference off the pine, with the duo boasting 86 Test caps between them.
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Marsters started at openside flanker in Australia’s pool match against England, while Pomare was named in the centres alongside Georgina Friedrichs. With a spot in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on the line, adding experience to the bench seems crucial.
It took England 31 minutes to take the lead last Sunday, before the Red Roses ran away with a dominant 47-7 win in the end. Australia didn’t score any points during the second half, although Tabua Tuinakauvadra was among the standouts as a replacement.
Emily Chancellor has been recalled to the First XV in Marsters’ place at openside, while 27-Test inside centre Cecilia Smith also returns to the starting side. There is plenty of experience in the run-on side, with more than 375 caps between those 15 selected.
Lydia Kavoa has overcome an injury concern to start at loosehead prop, while Adiana Talakai and Asoiva Karpani round out the front row. For the fourth time in as many matches at this World Cup, Kaitlan Leaney will partner Michaela Leonard in the second row.
Piper Duck starts at blindside flanker yet again, with Chancellor at openside. Captain Siokapesi Palu completes the back-row at No. 8, while Marster sand Tuinakauvadra will look to provide impact in the loose forwards when called upon.
Samantha Wood and Faitala Moleka will line up in the halves, with Smith and Friedrichs in the midfield. Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart are the two wingers, while 18-year-old Caitlyn Halse will wear the No. 15 jumper.
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On the bench, hooker Katalina Amosa and lock Ashley Fernandez return to the matchday 23.
“We appreciate it was a loss against England last week but we had an aim to make the quarters to give ourselves a shot and the players have achieved that,” Yapp said.
“We started well against England with our game management and need to show that for longer periods of the game this week.
“The focus in training is on us. Canada is a physical team and like to move the ball so we are excited for the challenge.”
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To progress through to the final four at this Rugby World Cup, the Wallaroos will need to secure a result that they’re yet to achieve in their history – to beat Canada. The two sides last met in the Pacific Four Series this year, with the Canadians running away with a comfortable win.
Australia team to take on Canada at 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup
1. Lydia Kavoa (#214 – Eastern Suburbs) – 11 caps
2. Adiana Talakai (#182 – Sydney University) – 20 caps
3. Asoiva Karpani (#171 – Southern Suburbs) – 40 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 – SCU Marlins) – 34 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 41 caps
6. Piper Duck (#185 – Tumut Bullettes) – 21 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 – Sydney University) – 33 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 – Rockdale Rangers) – 22 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 – Kalamunda Rugby) – 10 cap
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 25 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 22 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 27 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 37 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 – Nelson Bay Gropers) – 21 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Camden Rams) – 14 caps
Replacements
16. Katalina Amosa (#218 – Southern Districts) – 8 caps
17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 7 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 36 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – Uni-North Owls) – 5 caps
20. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 44 caps
21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 21 caps
22. Tia Hinds (#222 – Randwick) – 9 caps
23. Trilleen Pomare (#155 – Wanneroo) – 42 caps
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