Ariana Hira-Herangi will join three other RugbyWA Women’s players in the new look Buildcorp Wallaroos lineup to face Japan in Newcastle this Saturday.
Hira-Herangi will start at the inside centre position next to RugbyWA Women’s teammate Trilleen Pomare at fly-half.
Mhicca Carter will also bring her talents to the Wallaroos squad yet again starting on the wing as well as Rebecca Clough injecting her experience into the match from the bench.
Nine debutants will be running on for the Wallaroos this weekend outlining a new generation of talent spawning from this year’s Super W competition.
Another huge addition to the lineup will be outside centre Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea (Queensland) who will join Hira-Herangi in Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach, Dwayne Nestor’s new centre pairing.
Nestor will be looking for a big impact from the twelve and thirteen channels hoping the new additions will run well off experienced fly-half Pomare.
Nestor spoke on his selection of the new centre combination shedding light on two of the most exciting centres from season two of Buildcorp Super W.
“There was some really tough selections in naming this squad and the competition for places has been intense all week.
“We’ve picked a strong side that rewards form and gives opportunities to new players coming through.
“Alysia, Averyl and Ariana have worked incredibly hard in camp with some tough competition for those positions and it’s a credit to them they have earned their first Test cap for Australia.
“Having eight potential debutants is a reflection of how the depth of this squad is growing following on from the second season of Buildcorp Super W, Aon University Sevens and what we have been doing with the national squad.
“We know Japan present a fairly new challenge for us and we can expect them to be a team that wants to recycle the ball quickly to look for space in our defence.
“There’s no doubt they will be looking to disrupt our momentum early and we have to be ready to meet that challenge.
“The team has come together really well and we’re looking forward to returning to the Test arena in Newcastle tomorrow afternoon.”
The Wallaroos take on Japan at Newcastle’s No. 2 Sportsground on Saturday July 13, kicking off at 3pm AEST before a North Sydney Oval Test on Friday July 19 kicking off at 7pm AEST, both LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
Wallaroos to face Japan:
1. Emily Robinson, Warringah, NSW Waratahs Women, 7caps
2. Averyl Mitchell*, University of Queensland, Queensland Women's XV
3. Evelyn Horomia, Western Sydney, NSW Waratahs Women, 4 caps
4. Michaela Leonard*, Vikings, Brumbies Women
5. Alisha Hewett, GPS/ADFRU, Queensland Women's XV, 17caps
6. Millie Boyle (vc), Royals (Canberra), Queensland Women's XV, 8 caps
7. Emily Chancellor, Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 2 caps
8. Grace Hamilton (c), Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 11 caps
9. Cobie-Jane Morgan, Sunnybank, Queensland Women's XV, 18 caps
10. Trileen Pomare, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women, 7 caps
11. Mhicca Carter, Cottesloe, Rugby WA Women, 2 caps
12. Ariana Hira-Herangi*, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women
13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea*, Sunnybank, Queensland Women's XV
14. Samantha Treherne, Sunnybank, Queensland Women's XV, 10 caps
15. Mahalia Murphy, Campbelltown, NSW Waratahs Women, 7 caps
Reserves
16. Ashley Marsters, Harlequins, Melbourne Rebels Women, 6 caps
17. Liz Patu, Queensland Women's XV, 19 caps
18. Eva Karpani*, Randwick, NSW Waratahs Women,
19. Rebecca Clough, Cottesloe, Rugby WA Women, 20 caps
20. Shannon Mato*, Sunnybank, Queensland Women's XV
21. Georgia Cormick,* Powerhouse, Melbourne Rebels Women
22. Arabella McKenzie*, Randwick, Melbourne Rebels Women
23. Lori Cramer*, University of Queensland, Queensland Women's XV
