Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach, Dwayne Nestor has made two changes to the starting XV for Australia’s clash against New Zealand at Eden Park with Shannon Mato and Mhicca Carter promoted from the bench.
Carter moves to fullback with Mato coming in at flanker to combine with captain Grace Hamilton and vice-captain Mille Boyle in the backrow.
On the bench Brumbies Women stalwart, Michelle Milward comes into the reserves in replacement for Rebecca Clough..
Carter will move into her natural position at fullback for the Wallaroos allowing her to link up with Queensland winger Lori Cramer to create a superstar tandem in an already stacked backline.
Already used to the starting role Carter was a key figure in the two tests against Japan, her addition into this starting back line gives it a very strong RugbyWA flavor with Trilleen Pomare and Ariana Hira-Herangi also retaining their positions after very consistent performances.
Despite their loss to the Black Ferns last week in Perth the team shakeup is aiming to turn around the Wallaroos fortunes hoping for a upset at Eden Park in Auckland.
Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach Dwayne Nestor said: “We were disappointed with the performance we put out last week as we know that wasn’t our best Rugby.
“The good news is that we get another opportunity this week and the team is looking forward to getting back out on the park and playing at one of the most iconic venues in World Rugby.
“Bringing Shannon (Mato) into the starting side, just changes things up for us a bit in the backrow and we know Mhicca (Carter) has got some explosive speed that can match her opposite numbers.
“The team has responded really well this week to the feedback that the coaching staff has given and we’re looking forward to getting back to playing Test Rugby.”
Australia will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the opening Test of the New Zealand Series at Optus Stadium in Perth last week where the Buildcorp Wallaroos fell 10-47.
The Buildcorp Wallaroos will play the Black Ferns at Eden Park, kicking off at 1:00pm AWST with the match to be broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo and RUGBY.com.au Radio.
Wallaroos team to play Black Ferns
1. Liz Patu, Wests, Queensland Women’s XV, 22 caps
2. Averyl Mitchell, Souths (Brisbane), Queensland Women’s XV, 3 caps
3. Evelyn Horomia, Brothers, NSW Waratahs Women, 6 caps
4. Michaela Leonard, Vikings, Brumbies Women, 3 caps
5. Alisha Hewett, GPS/ADFRU, Queensland Women’s XV, 20 caps
6. Millie Boyle (vc), Royals (Canberra), Queensland Women’s XV, 11 caps
7. Shannon Mato, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 3 caps
8. Grace Hamilton (c), Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 14 caps
9. Georgia Cormick, Power House, Melbourne Rebels Women XV, 3 caps
10. Trilleen Pomare, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women, 10 caps
11. Lori Cramer, University of Queensland, Queensland Women’s XV, 3 caps
12. Ariana Hira-Herangi, Kalamunda, Rugby WA Women, 3 caps
13. Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 3 caps
14. Mahalia Murphy, Campbelltown/Maitland, NSW Waratahs Women, 10 caps
15. Mhicca Carter, Cottesloe, Rugby WA Women, 5 caps
Reserves
16. Ash Marsters, Harlequins, Melbourne Rebels Women, 9 caps
17. Emily Robinson, Warringah, NSW Waratahs Women, 10 caps
18. Christina Sekona, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 2 caps
19. Michelle Milward, Vikings, Brumbies Women, 8 caps
20. Emily Chancellor, Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 5 caps
21. Iliseva Batibasaga, Sydney University, NSW Waratahs Women, 14 caps
22. Arabella McKenzie, Randwick, NSW Waratahs Women, 3 caps
23. Samantha Treherne, Sunnybank, Queensland Women’s XV, 13 caps
