Teen to make World Cup history as Wallaroos name side for Samoa

Teenager Caitlyn Halse is set to become the youngest Wallaroo to play at a Rugby World Cup, having been named to start at fullback in Australia’s tournament opener against Samoa on Saturday in Manchester.

Halse already holds a special place in Australian rugby history, becoming the youngest debutant in either Wallaroos or Wallabies history in a Test against the USA in May 2024. The 18-year-old is now primed for another history-making appearance, this time at the sport’s showpiece event.

Code-hopper Millie Boyle has held this record since 2017 after representing Australia at just 19 years of age at the World Cup in Ireland. Halse will break that record on Saturday, joining Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart in a talented outside backs trio.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – The Threads That Bind Us

Emotive new short film features Woodman-Wickliffe’s Mount Albert Grammar School pupils speaking about the New Zealand rugby legend ahead of kick-off at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – The Threads That Bind Us

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Coach Jo Yapp has also awarded lock Kaitlan Leaney with captaincy duties for the first time, set to share that role along with openside flanker Emily Chancellor. Former Wallaroos captains Michaela Leonard and Piper Duck have also been named.

Faliki Pohiva starts at loosehead prop, joining Katalina Amosa and Asoiva Karpani in the front row. Brianna Hoy is also in line to return from a long-term knee injury, named on the bench for the first time since suffering the devastating injury at training last September.

Co-captain Leaney joins Leonard in the second row to round out the tight five, while Duck and Chancellor will combine with 18-Test No. 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra in the loose forwards. Regular skipper and blindside flanker Siokapesi Palu is still unavailable due to a foot injury.

Samantha Wood has been named to start at scrum-half after impressing at Wales at North Sydney Oval earlier this month. Wood will partner Faitala Moleka in the halves, while Layne Morgan and Australia Sevens star Tia Hinds will provide cover off the pine.

Fixture

Women's Rugby World Cup

Australia Women

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Full-time

Samoa Women

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Cecila Smile and Georgina Friedrichs are the centre pairing, while Miller and Stewart will take their place on the wings. Halse completes the First XV, while Lori Cramer will look to make a difference as an impact player off the bench.

“We’ve had a good week settling into Manchester with everyone making us feel really welcomed and the players have hit the ground running at training,” Yapp said in a statement.

“We know Samoa will be a tough, physical side and we need to match it with them on Saturday.

“There are no second chances at a World Cup and for us it starts with a good performance in our first match and building from there.

“It’s also fantastic to see Bri Hoy back in the team. We know how hard she has worked to make a return in time for the World Cup and she is deserving of her spot.

“We’re also really pleased to be able to give co-captaincy to Kaitlan Leaney, who is growing as a leader in the team.”

As for Samoa, coach Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino has selected two uncapped players in the team’s 23 to take on Australia. Madisen-Jade Iva has been named on the bench, while Keilamarita Pouri-Lane starts at outside centre.

It’s another proud moment for the Pouri-Lane household, who could have another family member take the field for another nation at the World Cup this weekend. Risi Pouri-Lane, who is a vice-captain for the Black Ferns Sevens, has been picked in New Zealand’s World Cup squad.

Samoa will be captained by Sui Pauaraisa, who is the country’s most capped player. The 26-Test veteran starts at openside flanker, joining Sinead Ryder and Utumalama Atonio in a formidable backrower trio.

This will be Samoa’s first Women’s World Cup match since 2014, meaning all 23 players are set to make their debutants at the showpiece event.

Wallaroos team to play Samoa at Rugby World Cup

1. Faliki Pohiva (#219 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps

2. Katalina Amosa (#218 – Southern Districts) – 6 caps

3. Asoiva Karpani (#171 – Southern Suburbs) – 37 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney (c) (#179 – SCU Marlins) – 31 caps

5. Michaela Leonard (#168 – Tuggeranong Vikings) – 38 caps

6. Piper Duck (#185 – Tumut Bullettes) – 18 caps

7. Emily Chancellor (c) (#158 – Sydney University) – 30 caps

8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 – Orange Emus) – 18 caps

9. Samantha Wood (#207 – Kalamunda Rugby) – 7 caps

10. Faitala Moleka (#199 – Blacktown Scorpions) – 22 caps

11. Desiree Miller (#204 – Eastern Suburbs) – 19 caps

12. Cecilia Smith (#190 – Leeton Dianas) – 24 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 – Wests Bulldogs) – 34 caps

14. Maya Stewart (#196 – Nelson Bay Gropers) – 18 caps

15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 – Camden Rams) – 11 caps

Reserves

16. Adiana Talakai (#182 – Sydney University) – 18 caps

17. Brianna Hoy (#203 – Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 8 caps

18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 – Sydney University) – 33 caps

19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – Uni-North Owls) – 4 caps

20. Ashley Marsters (#117 – Boroondara) – 41 caps

21. Layne Morgan (#188 – Merewether Carlton) – 36 caps

22. Tia Hinds (#222 – Randwick) – 6 caps

23. Lori Cramer (#172 – University of Queensland) – 30 caps

Samoa side to take on Australia at Rugby World Cup

1. Ana Mamea

2. Avau Filimaua

3. Flory Aiono

4. Ana-Lise Sio

5. Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa

6. Snead Ryder

7. Sui Pauaraisa (c)

8. Utumalama Atonio

9. Ana Afuie

10. Harmony Vatau

11. Drenna Falaniko

12. Fa’asua Makisi

13. Keilamarita Pouri-Lane

14. Lutia Col Aumua

15. Karla Wrght-Akeli

Replacements

16. Lulu Leuta

17. Denise Aiolupotea

18. Tori Iosefo

19. Jay Jay Taylor

20. Madisen-Jade Jamie Iva

21. Christabelle Onosemo-Tuilaepa

22. Melina Grace Salale

23. Faalua Tugaga