The Waratahs Women have made six changes to the starting line-up for their second trial of pre-season against the ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium on Saturday (12.05pm kick-off AEST).
After the 24-all draw against the Fijian Drua in Suva a couple of weeks’ ago, an all-new, Wallaroos front-row is named, with Faliki Pohiva, Adiana Talakai and Bridie O’Gorman bolstering the ranks.
In the back-row, Leilani Nathan is named at blindside flanker for her first game in 421 day, after succumbing to a knee injury in last year’s 54-17 semi-final win over the Western Force in Perth. She will scrum down with her twin sister Nicole in the back-row, who keeps her spot at number eight.
While in the backs, Georgina Friedrichs and Caitlyn Halse make their first appearances of the season at outside centre and full-back respectively.
Head coach Michael Ruthven was pleased to see a number of players come back into the side and praised Nathan on her rehabilitation.
“We welcome back a number of players this week who were unavailable to travel to Fiji,” Ruthven said.
“Leilani Nathan makes her return after a long ACL rehab and we are really excited to see her back.
“The Brumbies will be a nice challenge for us and we are looking forward to finalising our prep going into Round 1.”
Vice captains Kaitlan Leaney and Desiree Miller are both selected again at lock and wing respectively, after both players scored a try in Suva, while Piper Simons and Pleuni Kievit resume their partnership in the halves.
On the bench, Piper Duck is included as back-row cover for her first run-out of the season.
Brumbies Women v NSW Waratahs Women: trial match
Saturday 30 May, 12.05pm kick-off AEST
GIO Stadium
Starting XV:
- Faliki Pohiva
- Adiana Talakai
- Bridie O’Gorman
- Kaitlan Leaney (vc)
- Tahlia Morgan
- Leilani Nathan
- Emily Chancellor (c)
- Nicole Nathan
- Piper Simons
- Pleuni Klevit
- Desiree Miller (vc)
- Rosie Ferguson
- Georgina Friedrichs
- Milly Whitaker
- Caitlyn Halse
Replacements:
16. Brittany Merlo
17. Brianna Hoy
18. Seneti Kilisimasi
19. Grace Gillies
20. Piper Duck
21. Taj Heald
22. Edie Burke
23. Martha Harvey
