Reigning Rebecca Clough medalist Samantha Wood has flown into Cape Town as well as the Wallaroos’ team list for Saturday’s WXV 2 clash with South Africa from 11pm WST.
The Force scrum-half has been added to the Wallaroos squad following a foot injury to Natalie Wright, with Wood named among the reserves for Saturday’s game against the Springboks Women live on Stan Sport.
Force lock Michaela Leonard is named in the starting line-up as captain, while trio Trilleen Pomare, Lucy Dinnen and Wood will all start on the bench.
The Wallaroos are looking for back-to-back victories after an outstanding 37-5 win over Wales to start their WXV 2 campaign.
Wood’s addition comes after she debuted for Australia earlier this year after a breakout Super Rugby Women’s campaign with the Force where she won a raft of awards at the club’s season awards. The Perth-born ARKS product will now look to add to her three Wallaroos caps.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp said: “Last week’s win was a good start to the tournament and it’s important we grow from here and put in another strong performance.
“We were happy with parts of our game but know there’s room for improvement in other areas and South Africa will present a big challenge on home turf.
“It’s unfortunate to lose Nat (Wright) and Ash (Fernandez) to injury, both have been working really hard and made a lot of progress.
“Sammy comes back in and Waiaria gets an opportunity to join the tour and gain valuable experience. Both played really well in the Australia A game last month and performed well in our recent camps.”
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Wallaroos team to play South Africa
@ Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday 5 October, 11pm WST
Starters
1. Bridie O'Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 25 caps
2. Tania Naden (#197 - Uni-North Owls) – 17 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 - Onkaparinga) – 29 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - CSU Marlins) – 23 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (c) (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 30 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 14 caps
7. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Booroondarra) – 32 caps
8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 9 caps
9. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 27 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 13 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 10 caps
12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 16 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 27 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 - Nelson Bay Gropers) – 14 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 - Southern Districts) – 4 caps
Reserves
16. Tiarna Molloy (#191 - Inverell Highlanders) – 5 caps
17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) – 4 caps
18. Allana Sikimeti (#212 - Norths Eagles) – 2 caps
19. Atasi Lafai (#161 - Campbelltown Harlequins) – 16 caps
20. Lucy Dinnen (#216 - Wanneroo) – 3 caps
21. Samantha Wood (Kalamunda District) – 3 caps
22. Trilleen Pomare (#155 - Wanneroo) – 31 caps
23. Lori Cramer (#172 - University of Queensland) – 25 caps
