Thirteen uncapped Wallaroos will make the trip to New Zealand next month, as they look for their first taste of trans-Tasman glory.
Wallaroos coach Paul Verrell has named a 26-player squad for the trip, which will involve the women playing at Eden Park for the first time, ahead of the third Bledisloe Test on October 22.
One of those new faces is Chloe Laupepe, who impressed off the bench for Sydney in the Women’s Nationals and propelled herself from the fringes right into contention during a week-long camp on the Gold Coast.
“We picked her for the cmap off her nationals form and she has performed fairly well ever since,” Verrell said.
“She’s a fullback and can also back up at five-eighth and can play inside centre so she brings a lot of diversity.”
Australia is yet to beat New Zealand in a women’s Test match but with so many new faces in the touring team, Verrell said there would be no intimidation factor heading into the tour.
“I just think they’re (New Zealand) used to that level, we’ve them 14 times and haven’t beaten them.
“They’re pretty strong right across the park, they’re physical and they’ve got pace and a lot of experience.”
“I think some of the girls a little bit more physically ready now.
"The major things is a lot of them haven’t played New Zealand. There's no bad memories. With the mix of old and we’re pretty excited about that.”
Some of the more seasoned representatives include Mollie Gray and Louise Burrows, both of whom featured in the last World Cup.
Australia hasn’t played a Test since the 2014 World Cup but have been in camp in recent weeks on the Gold Coast to prepare for the their New Zealand tour.
The Wallaroos’ chance to share the spotlight with the Wallabies comes at a crucial time for women’s rugby, after the success of the Women’s Sevens side at the Olympics put the sport squarely on the agenda.
The Wallaroos come into camp on October 15, flying to New Zealand on October 17 ahead of the first in their three-match tour, a game against an Auckland representative side.
2016 Buildcorp Wallaroos Fixtures
Tuesday 18 October: Wallaroos v Auckland Storm, Bell Park, Pakuranga
Saturday 22 October: Wallaroos v Black Ferns, Eden Park
Wednesday 26 October: Wallaroos v Black Ferns, North Harbour Stadium
2016 Buildcorp Wallaroos squad to tour New Zealand:
Katrina Barker*, scrumhalf/centre, Warringah
Iliseva Batibasaga, scrumhalf, Sydney University
Louise Burrows, hooker/prop, Canberra Royals
Chloe Butler, lock, Parramatta
Cheyenne Campbell, centre, Redlands
Rebecca Clough, lock, Cottesloe
Mollie Gray, backrow, Sydney University
Alisha Hewett, lock, GPS
Ashleigh Hewson, Flyhalf/fullback, Sydney University
Ariana Kaiwai*, flanker, Blacktown
Ivy Kaleta*, hooker, Sunnybank
Victoria Latu, backrow, Parramatta
Chloe Leaupepe*, flyhalf/fullback, Oatley
Nareta Marsters*,centre/wing, Sunnybank
Cobie-Jane Morgan, scrumhalf/centre/wing, Warringah
Hana Ngaha*,prop, Sunnybank
Alanna Patison*, prop/hooker, Newcastle University
Liz Patu, prop/backrow, Wests
Madeline Putz, wing, Palmyra
Sarah Riordan*, fullback/centre, Merewether Carlton
Emily Robinson*, front row, Warringah
Oneata Schwalger, prop, Melbourne
Kirby Sefo*, lock/flanker, Sunnybank
Hanna Sio, centre, Parramatta
Shontelle Stowers*, utility back, Warringah
Venisia Taufa*, flanker/backrow, Palmyra
*Uncapped
