Wallaroos prop closes in on Test milestone ahead of Scotland clash

Experienced front-rower Eva Karpani is closing in on the 50-Test milestone after being named in Australia’s matchday 23 to face Scotland, returning to the fold along with back Cecilia Smith and prolific try-scorer Maya Stewart.

Karpani is set to make her 49^th appearance in Wallaroos gold after being named in the reserves, as one of two Queensland Reds representatives. Reds captain Jemma Bemrose is the one other Queenslander in the 23-player squad, also selected on the bench.

Smith is another significant inclusion in the No. 23 jersey, while Stewart has been brought straight back into the run-on side after overcoming an injury. Stewart joins Amelia Whitaker and Desiree Miller in an all NSW Waratahs back three.

Brianna Hoy, Brittany Merlo and Faliki Pohiva made up an all-Waratahs front row, joined by New South Wales teammate Kaitlan Leaney in the tight five. Michaela Leonard, the most-capped Wallaroo in history, is the other starting lock.

Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona will line up at blindside flanker, with versatile loose forward Piper Duck packing down on the other side of the scrum. Pia Tapsell rounds out the pack as the first-choice No. 8.

Samanatha Wood and Waiaria Ellis are the halves, with Faitala Moleka joining Georgina Friedrichs in the centres. Whitaker and Stewart are the wingers, with 31-Test outside back Miller shifting from the edge to fullback.

“We have maintained considerable selection consistency throughout the WXV, strategically strengthening our cohesion and combinations,” Director of Women’s High Performance, Tim Walsh, said.

“During the WXV we have layered specific areas of our game to build stronger performances each test.

“We have selected a balanced 23 armed with leadership, power, strength and speed.”

Wallaroos team to play Scotland