Reds winger in line for Wallaroos debut against ‘complete’ France side

Queensland Reds winger Piper Flynn is in line to debut for the Wallaroos this weekend, named on the bench for the WXV Global Series match against France in Aix-en-Provence. Australia are coming off a solid performance in a defeat to world champions England.

Flynn’s inclusion is one of four personnel changes to the matchday 23, with Tiarah Minns, Ava Wereta and the reigning Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra brought into the side to play France.

Tuinakauvadra and Minns missed most of the Super Rugby Women’s season due to injury, but are set to wear Wallaroos gold in a matter of days. Wereta played for the Wallaroos during the Pacific Four Series and is now back in the mix.

Flynn is the latest debutant-to-be, with Reds captain Jemma Bemrose and NSW Waratahs Player of the Year Amelia Whitaker earning their chance last week. Whitaker has been retained in the run-on side, while Flynn proves back three cover.

“We’ve landed to warm weather and real anticipation for this Test,” Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh said.

“We know exactly where our strengths and weaknesses lie, and sharpening those areas week after week is exactly the kind of environment we thrive in.

“It’s about winning the moments in front of us, building something bigger than ourselves, and loving the work it takes to get there.

“France are a complete side, both physical, flamboyant and we’re not underestimating anything about what’s coming.

“The squad will also welcome another debutant to the international stage this weekend, with Reds speedster Piper Flynn set to earn her first cap.”

Allan Sikimeti will pack down in the front-row with hooker Brittany Merlo and tighthead prop Faliki Pohiva. They will be supported in the tight five by experienced locks Kaitlan Leaney and Michaela Leonard, with Minns coming off the bench.

Pia Tapsell has been retained at blindside flanker, with Piper Duck named in the run-on side at openside flanker. Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona round out the starting forward pack after being selected at No. 8.

In the backs, Samantha Wood will again link up with Waiaria Ellis, with Faitala Moleka holding onto the starting role at inside centre. Georgina Friedrichs starts at outside centre, with Desiree Miller and Whitaker on the wings, and Caitlyn Halse at fullback.

Wallaroos team to take on France

1. Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Eagles Rugby) – 5 caps
2. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 5 caps
3. Faliki Pohiva – #219 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 12 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 41 caps
5. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 48 caps
6. Pia Tapsell – #236 (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – 2 caps
7. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 28 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 29 caps
9. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 17 caps
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 8 caps
11. Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 29 caps
12. Faitala Moleka – #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 32 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – #178 (NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 43 caps
14. Amelia Whitaker – #237 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 1 cap
15. Caitlyn Halse – #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 16 caps

Replacements

16. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 31 caps
17. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 15 caps
18. Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 47 caps
19. Tiarah Minns – #217 (Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 6 caps
20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra – #200 (ACT Brumbies/Orange Emus) – 22 caps
21. Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 12 caps
22. Piper Flynn* (Queensland Reds/Surfers Paradise Rugby) – uncapped
23. Ava Wereta – #233 (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 2 caps

*denotes possible debut