Western Force pair Sammy Wood and Nicole Ledington will team up again as Wallaroos starting halves for the side’s second Pacific Four Series game against the United States in Kansas City.
The Kalamunda duo have been named at scrum-half and fly-half respectively, with Force lock Michaela Leonard among the reserves.
Leonard will equal the all-time Wallaroos record of most appearances should she take the field – joining former Wallaroo Ashley Marsters on 45 Tests.
The Wallaroos take on USA from 9am WST on Saturday 18 April live on Stan Sport.
Trio Dillyn Blackburn, Ella Ryan and Ava Wereta are in line to make their international debuts after being included on the bench.
Wallaroos interim coach Sam Needs said: “We had some great moments last week despite the conditions and are looking to sharpen up some other areas against the Americans.
“The clashes between both sides of late have been close, competitive and we expect the same on their home turf in Kansas on Friday.
“It’s really exciting to have three debutants in our 23, and we look forward to seeing them make the most of their opportunities at the next level.”
The Wallaroos have played USA on 10 occasions since 1997 for three wins and more recently a history-making 31-all draw at the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year in York.
Wallaroos team list
1. Brianna Hoy (#203 - NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 11 caps
2. Tania Naden (197 – ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 27 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 - Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 43 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 37 caps
5. Tiarah Minns (#217 - Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 4 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) (#194 - ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 25 caps
7. Emily Chancellor (#158 - NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 36 caps
8. Piper Duck (#185 - NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 24 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 - Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 12 caps
10. Nicole Ledington (#226 - Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 2 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 - NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 24 caps
12. Sidney Taylor (#227 - Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs) – 2 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 40 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 - NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 24 caps
15. Faitala Moleka (#199 - ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 28 caps
Reserves
16. Adiana Talakai (#182 - NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 23 caps
17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 - NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 9 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 39 caps
19. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 44 caps
20. Dillyn Blackburn* (Queensland Reds/Gympie Hammers) – debut
21. Ella Ryan* (ACT Brumbies/Canberra Royals) – debut
22. Ava Wereta* (Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – debut
23. Waiaria Ellis (#225 - NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps
* denotes debut
