The Wallaroos have made three squad changes ahead of their Test rugby series against world No.1 New Zealand, kicking off next week in Perth.
Michelle Milward (Brumbies), Alana Elisaia (Queensland) and Iliseva Batibasaga (Waratahs) have come into the Australian squad with the women part of Test double-headers with the Wallabies at Optus Stadium and then Auckland’s Eden Park on Aug 17.
Backrower Kiri Lingman was not considered for selection in the 28-strong squad due to a shoulder injury while utility back Cobie-Jane Morgan was unavailable because of personal reasons.
Grace Hamilton will again lead the squad against the Black Ferns following stand-out performances earlier this month against Japan, where she was named player of the match in both Tests.
Wallaroos coach Dwayne Nestor said the squad, who are ranked seventh, were excited to be playing in front of a sold-out crowd in Perth.
“A double header Test at Optus Stadium is going to make for a great occasion and the squad has really talked about making sure that we rise to that and work hard for each other in the gold jersey,” he said.
“As a coaching group we have had some great selection headaches over the last month with every player in the squad putting their hands up for selection in the starting XV.
“We have got two great opportunities over the next month against New Zealand and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
Wallaroos: Forwards: Millie Boyle (vc) (Queensland), Emily Chancellor (Waratahs), Rebecca Clough (WA), Grace Hamilton (c)(Waratahs), Alisha Hewett (Queensland), Evelyn Horomia (Waratahs), Asoiva (Eva) Karpani (Waratahs), Michaela Leonard (Brumbies), Ashley Marsters( Melbourne), Michelle Milward (Brumbies), Shannon Mato (Queensland), Averyl Mitchell (Queensland), Sera Naiqama (Waratahs), Liz Patu (Queensland), Emily Robinson (Waratahs), Christina Sekona (Queensland).
Backs: Iliseva Batibasaga (Waratahs), Mhicca Carter (WA), Georgia Cormick (Melbourne), Lori Cramer (Queensland), Ariana Hira-Herangi (WA), Alysia Leafu-Fakaosilea (Queensland), Arabella McKenzie (Waratahs), Mahalia Murphy (Waratahs), Trilleen Pomare (WA), Sarah Riordan (Queensland), Alana Elisaia* (Queensland), Samantha Treherne (Queensland).
*Denotes uncapped