RugbyWA head-coach Sebastian Delport has combined a wealth of experience with new and exciting debutants in his starting 15 for the RugbyWA Women's round one clash against the Brumbies.
The rejuvenated RugbyWA squad will start the season with a redemption match after they fell short to the Brumbies in round four of the 2019 season that subsequently dropped them out of finals contention.
Third-year Super W players Rebecca Clough and Katie Barnes provide the foundation for the RugbyWA Women’s forward pack that will run out onto GIO Stadium this Saturday.
Surrounding them will be a host of young stars looking to prove themselves including back rowers Taylah Eastwood and Taylavie Frost Kelemete.
Also in the front row will be debutant Freida Ah-Sam who will start in front of her own mother Sera Ah-Sam acting as a backup for the forward three off the bench.
Wallaroos pair Ariana Hira-Herangi and Trilleen Pomare will lead the backline as first and second receiver looking to guide new debutant Taj Heald who will start her first Super W game after narrowly missing last season.
Heald sustained a back injury in 2019 which ruled her out for the season, missing the chance to apply her craft at the XVs game after proving her self in the AON Uni 7s competition.
Joining her to round off the backline will be Cottesloe players Claudia Nielsen and Langley Sesega linking up with promising young winger Dallys Tini who debuted last year against the Brumbies at the age of 17.
Experienced player Crystal Walters will provide a reliable back up at the halfback spot for new player Aiysha Wigley.
Returning Crystal Asiata will round off a relatively young bench that includes the talented rookies Emysen Robison, Paihau Pomare and Cara Gleave.
Delport has worked tirelessly to solidify the new combinations within the squad and is confident the women are ready to leave it all out of the field this Saturday.
“The team is excited to begin the 2020 campaign, they have worked incredibly hard to improve their fitness, develop their technical skills and tactical understanding."
“This week especially we have been putting the finishing touches on our game model for round one against the Brumbies at GIO, he said”
“Our focus during the selection of the match-day squad was on developing cohesion amongst the various combinations within the squad.”
“With so many new combinations and a number of players making their debuts, we wanted to strike a balance between youth and experience, we feel we have done that well for the Brumbies game on Saturday. “
The Brumbies take on RugbyWA at Canberra's GIO Stadium on Saturday, February 15, kicking off at 1:35pm AWST ahead of the Brumbies Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders at 4:15pm and broadcast LIVE at RUGBY.com.au, Kayo and Fox Sports.
RugbyWA team to take on the Brumbies
1. Hineana Dando*
2. Darryl Wickliffe
3. Freida Ah-Sam*
4. Katie Barnes
5. Rebecca Clough
6. Taylavie Forst Kelemete*
7. Taylah Eastwood*
8. Neesha Barrett
9. Ayisha Wigley*
10. Trilleen Pomare
11. Dallys Tini
12. Ariana Hira-Herangi
13. Taj Heald*
14. Claudia Neilson
15. Langley Sesega*
Reserves
16. Sera Ah-Sam
17. Chrystal Asiata
18. Yolanda Forsthye*
19. Emysen Robinson*
20. Chrystal Walters
21. Moana Paul
22. Cara Gleave*23. Paihau Pomare*
*Denotes Super W Debut
