Coach Dwayne Nestor has called in rugged Queenslander Shannon Mato and speedy WA fullback Mhicca Carter in a bid to turn around the Wallaroos fortunes in Auckland.
Nestor made two changes to the starting team for the second Test against the Black Ferns after they went down 47-10 in the first Test in Perth.
NSW openside flanker Emily Chancellor, voted the Wallaroos best player in 2017, has been demoted to the bench, and Aussie sevens speedster Samantha Treherne has made way for Carter, with Mahalia Murphy shifted from no.15 to the wing.
Mato's physicality was no doubt a consideration for Nestor after the head coach said his team was "bullied" by the Black Ferns at Optus Stadium.
But there were no changes to the tight five despite major problems in the set-piece.
On the bench, Michelle Millward has replaced Rebecca Clough.
“We were disappointed with the performance we put out last week as we know that wasn’t our best rugby," Nestor said.
“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.”
The Buildcorp Wallaroos will play the Black Ferns at Eden Park, kicking off at 3pm AEST 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
