Wallaroos out to celebrate Marsters’ milestone with win
The Wallaroos are hoping to celebrate Ashley Marsters becoming the equal most-capped Australian women’s Test player with a victory in the WXV2 tournament against South Africa.
The Wallaroos flanker will match the record for the most appearances, set by Liz Patu with 33 caps, this weekend in Cape Town.
Victorian Marsters, who made her debut in 2014, is also a world-class hooker.
After celebrating their tournament-opening win over Wales, the Australians have turned their focus to the host nation.
Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp was forced to fly Western Force halfback Samantha Wood in for the Cape Town clash on Sunday morning (1am AEST) after reserve halfback Natalie Wright suffered a foot injury.
She and uncapped forward Ashley Fernandez, who injured her shoulder during a training session, have flown home.
Veteran centre Cecilia Smith has returned to the run-on side following a strong performance off the bench in the 37-5 win, with vice-captain Trilleen Pomare moving back to the reserves.
Brumbies prop Allana Sikameti has also beaten Alapeta Ngauamo for a bench spot.
The Wallaroos haven’t played South Africa in a Test since the 2014 World Cup but won their previous three contests.
They expect a tough outing given their opponents had a first-up win over Japan.
“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,” Yapp said.”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.”
Five-eighth Arabella McKenzie, who missed last week’s victory after suffering a concussion during training, remains sidelined and will be monitored ahead of the side’s final game of the year against Scotland.
WALLAROOS (1-23): Bridie O’Gorman, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (c), Siokapesi Palu, Ashley Marsters, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Layne Morgan, Faitala Moleka, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Caitlyn Halse. Reserves: Tiarna Molloy, Lydia Kavoa, Allana Sikimeti, Atasi Lafai, Lucy Dinnen, Samantha Wood,Trilleen Pomare, Lori Cramer.
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