Western Force lock Michaela Leonard will once again lead the Wallaroos in the WXV1 clash with France from 2pm WST Saturday at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning has made four changes from the side beaten by England last week with Sera Naiqama, Desiree Miller, Leilani Nathan and Melanie Wilks joining the match-day 23 to face Les Bleus in Dunedin.
In the absence of injured captain Piper Duck, Leonard has led the Wallaroos as skipper in recent Tests.
“Responding from the game against England and showing good execution against France is our priority," Tregonning said.
“France had a good win over the Black Ferns in Wellington last weekend and we expect them to be full of confidence but we’re confident in our gameplan as well.”
Wallaroos team to play France
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Saturday 28 October, 2pm WST
Starters
1. Brianna Hoy – 1 cap
2. Tania Naden – 7 caps
3. Eva Karpani – 19 caps
4. Sera Naiqama – 11 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (c) – 19 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu – 4 caps
7. Emily Chancellor – 21 caps
8. Kaitlan Leaney – 13 caps
9. Layne Morgan – 17 caps
10. Carys Dallinger – 4 caps
11. Ivania Wong – 13 caps
12. Arabella McKenzie – 19 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – 17 caps
14. Desiree Miller – 1 cap
15. Faitala Moleka – 4 caps
Finishers
16. Adiana Talakai – 14 caps
17. Bree-Anna Cheatham – 7 caps
18. Emily Robinson – 23 caps
19. Atasi Lafai – 7 caps
20. Leilani Nathan - 1 cap
21. Sarah Dougherty – 1 cap
22. Cecilia Smith – 10 caps
23. Melanie Wilks - uncapped
BUILDCORP WALLAROOS WXV1 FIXTURES
Wallaroos 7 def by v England 42 on Friday 20 October, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wallaroos v France, 2pm (AWST), Saturday 28 October, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Wallaroos v Wales, 2pm (AWST), Friday 3 November, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
