Force quintet to play Wallaroos' World Cup quarter-final vs Canada

Thu, Sep 11, 2025, 1:30 PM
WM
by Western Force Media

Five Western Force players will line up for the Wallaroos against Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol on Saturday night (11pm WST).

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has made two changes to the 23 that were defeated by England last week with hooker Katalina Amosa and lock Ashley Fernandez recalled to the side.

Amosa featured in matches against Samoa and the USA while Fernandez last played in the opening game of the World Cup.

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Their returns push Tania Naden and Annabelle Codey out of the reserves while Yapp has also reshuffled her backrow and centre pairing.

Emily Chancellor and Cecilia Smith have been promoted to the starting side with experienced pair Ashley Marsters and Trilleen Pomare shifting to the bench.

The rest of the team remains unchanged with Lydia Kavoa named despite leaving the field in the first half with an ankle injury.

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said: "We appreciate it was a loss against England last week but we had an aim to make the quarters to give ourselves a shot and the players have achieved that.

"We started well against England with our game management and need to show that for longer periods of the game this week.

"The focus in training is on us. Canada is a physical team and like to move the ball so we are excited for the challenge."

The Wallaroos must beat No.2 ranked Canada for the first time in their history to advance to the semi-finals on Saturday.

The two sides last met during the Pacific Four series in May at Suncorp Stadium, with the Wallaroos going down 45-7.

Watch the Wallaroos take on Canada at the Women's Rugby World Cup, live and ad-free on Stan Sport or Channel Nine live.

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Game details

Wallaroos vs Canada

Saturday 13 September, 11pm WST

Ashton Gate, Bristol

Live on Stan Sport and 9GEM

Wallaroos team list

1. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) – 11 caps

2. Adiana Talakai (#182 - Sydney University) – 20 caps

3. Asoiva Karpani (#171 - Southern Suburbs) – 40 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - SCU Marlins) – 34 caps

5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 41 caps

6. Piper Duck (#185 - Tumut Bullettes) – 21 caps

7. Emily Chancellor (#158 - Sydney University) – 33 caps

8. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 22 caps

9. Samantha Wood (#207 - Kalamunda Rugby) – 10 caps

10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 25 caps

11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 22 caps

12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 27 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 37 caps

14. Maya Stewart (#196 - Nelson Bay Gropers) – 21 caps

15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 - Camden Rams) – 14 caps

Reserves

16. Katalina Amosa (#218 - Southern Districts) – 8 caps

17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 7 caps

18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 36 caps

19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 - Uni-North Owls) – 5 caps

20. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Boroondara) – 44 caps

21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Orange Emus) – 21 caps

22. Tia Hinds (#222 - Randwick) – 9 caps

23. Trilleen Pomare (#155 - Wanneroo) – 42 caps

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