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SVNS superstar Maddison Levi and ex-Black Fern set for Wallaroos debuts
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HSBC SVNS Series phenom Maddison Levi is in line to debut for the Wallaroos against the Black Ferns on Saturday afternoon. Levi is one of two uncapped players named, with a former New Zealand international also set to wear Wallaroos gold for the first time.
Levi is the all-time leading Australia Sevens try-scorer and was named the 2024 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year. Tia Hinds and Bienne Terita are a couple of other sevens stars that have been capped at the highest level in both formats of rugby union.
Melbourne-born Tapsell is another uncapped prospect for the Wallaroos, who previously played six times for the Black Ferns between 2019 and 2020. Tapsell moved to the Western Force last year and recently become eligible to switch international allegiances.
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In the starting side, Waiaria Ellis has been named in the halves alongside Tia Hinds, after the pair helped lead the NSW Waratahs to a third consecutive Super Rugby Women’s title and a strong performance in the Champions Final loss to the Blues.
Alysia Lefau-Fakosilea is set to play her first Wallaroos Test in seven years after being named at outside centre, set to partner Cecilia Smith in the halves. Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart are the two wingers, while Faitala Moleka will line up at fullback.
In the forwards, Siokapesi Palu Sekona captains the side from blindside flanker. Lily Bone and Piper Duck round out the loose forwards trio, while Waratahs skipper Emily Chancellor provides backrow cover off the bench.
Michael Leonard, who is the most capped Wallaroo ever, partners Kaitlan Leaney in the second row. Brianna Hoy will pack down alongside Tania Naden and Eva Karpni up front, while Brittany Merlo is among the front-rowers named on the bench.
“We arrived in Auckland late last week to really soak up the atmosphere and acclimatise to the conditions,” Director of Women’s High Performance, Tim Walsh, said.
“The coaching team led by Mike Ruthven, Duncan Chubb, Ben Mowen and Reg Tayler have been installing the technical content and physically preparing the team for an historic occasion.
“To be part of the 100th Wallaroos Test is special and the players are honoured to be part of the milestone and to play for all those who have worn the jersey before them.
“Two massive occasions for our debutants in Pia Tapsell and Maddison Levi. Pia’s last Test match was playing for the Black Ferns and Maddison a superstar in the Sevens format and coming off World Championship-winning matches against the Black Ferns Sevens.”
The Wallaroos have played 99 Tests up until this point, making this weekend’s clash with the Black Ferns a particularly momentous occasion.
Wallaroos team to play Black Ferns in Auckland
1. Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 13 caps
2. Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 29 caps
3. Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 45 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 39 caps
5. Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 46 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 27 caps
7. Lily Bone – #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 3 caps
8. Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 26 caps
9. Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 10 caps
10. Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 6 caps
11. Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 27 caps
12. Cecilia Smith – #190 (Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 30 caps
13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea – #170 (Queensland Reds/Sunnybank Dragons) – 4 caps
14. Maya Stewart – #196 (NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 26 caps
15. Faitala Moleka- #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 30 caps
Replacements
16. Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 3 caps
17. Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Eagles Rugby) – 3 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman – #180 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 41 caps
19. Pia Tapsell* (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – uncapped
20. Emily Chancellor – #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 37 caps
21. Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 15 caps
22. Bienne Terita – #195 (Australia Sevens/Randwick) – 6 caps
23. Maddison Levi* (Australia Sevens/Bond University) – uncapped
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