The Wallaroos have received a major boost ahead of Sunday’s Test against world champions New Zealand with star flanker Ashley Marsters declared fit to return from an ankle injury.
The dynamic Marsters has missed Australia’s last two Tests after undergoing syndesmosis surgery following the Pacific Four Series in May.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has handed Marsters the No.7 jersey in the only change to the starting side that belted Fiji 64-5 in Sydney on Saturday.
Watch All Blacks v England, Wallabies v Wales, Japan v Georgia, Springboks v Ireland, Argentina v France and Wallaroos v Black Ferns with every match streaming ad free, live and on demand on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport
Her inclusion shifts Leilani Nathan to the bench for the O’Reilly Cup clash in Brisbane while last week’s debutant Lydia Kavoa drops out of the 23.
“Ash has worked extremely hard to return from injury and has been training really well, it is great to have her experience back in the side,” Yapp said.
“We were really pleased with our performance last week and are looking to build again this weekend. We’ve prepared well for the match and are looking forward to playing in front of Wallaroos fans at Ballymore.
READ MORE: Aussies knock out top seeds to book spot in final
READ MORE: ‘Disappointed’ coach reacts to another job snub
READ MORE: Heeney, Swans ribbed for bizarre video after ban
https://twitter.com/StanSportRugby/status/1811194715934445982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“We know our final Test match of the year on home soil against the Black Ferns is a big challenge, but one we are looking forward to ahead of WXV 2 in September.”
The Wallaroos have not beaten the Black Ferns in 26 attempts and New Zealand won their last meeting 67-19 in May.
That victory ensured the O’Reilly Cup would remain in New Zealand until 2025.
NEW PODCAST! Michael Atkinson and Iain Payten discuss Wallabies vs Wales, Wallaroos vs New Zealand and controversy at the world under-20 champs
Meanwhile, New Zealand hooker Atlanta Lolohea is poised to join an exclusive club when she comes off the bench to make her Test debut.
Lolohea and her sister Martha Mataele – the wife of Fiji winger Manasa – will become the sixth set of sisters to have represented the Black Ferns.
New Zealand coach Allan Bunting has also recalled prop Pip Love, lock Chelsea Bremner and loose forward Lucy Jenkins while centre Monica Tagoai is in line to play her first Test since 2018.
“We have a competitive group of wahine (women) in our environment and this has been a difficult selection which is what we want,” Bunting said.
“It will be a special moment for Atlanta and Monica on Sunday. Both have worked diligently and shown great dedication and patience.
“The Wallaroos had a strong performance against Fiji last weekend and we know they will be wanting a different outcome to our last meeting. We are prepared and ready for the challenge we face in front of a vocal Brisbane crowd.”
The Test kicks off at 2pm AEST on Sunday with coverage on Stan Sport from 1.40pm AEST.
AUSTRALIA (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (c), Atasi Lafai, Ashley Marsters, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Biola Dawa, Lori Cramer
Reserves: Tiarna Molloy, Allana Sikimeti, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Leilani Nathan, Natalie Wright, Trilleen Pomare, Faitala Moleka
NEW ZEALAND (1-15): Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Alana Bremner, Liana Mikaele Tu’u, Layla Sae, Maia Joseph, Hannah King, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (c), Sylvia Brunt, Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes
Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Pip Love, Amy Rule, Chelsea Bremner, Lucy Jenkins, Iritana Hohaia, Monica Tagoai, Mererangi Paul