Cramer returns as Wallaroos confirm side for USA clash

Thu, Jul 6, 2023, 10:14 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Wallaroos have been boosted by the return of fullback Lori Cramer for Sunday's (AEST) match with the USA in Ottawa.

The second round of the Pacific Four sees the 15-cap Wallaroo return to the back after finishing her stint with English Premier 15s finalists Exeter.

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She comes in for Faitala Moleka, who failed to overcome an ankle injury picked up in last week's 50-0 defeat to the Black Ferns.

Fellow overseas duo Arabella McKenzie and Emily Chancellor also come back into the starting side after returning to the bench.

McKenzie partners Layne Morgan in the halves as Chancellor slots into openside flanker, with regular captain Piper Duck still sidelined with injury.

"After last week's match against the Black Ferns, we've redirected our focus to the games ahead of us," said Head Coach Jay Tregonning.

"The USA side is extremely physical, with a lot of strong athletes at its core. We've evaluated their strengths and weaknesses, and look forward to challenging ourselves against a dominant Northern Hemisphere team.

"Piper Duck and Faitala Moleka are continuing rehabilitation of their injuries, and we look forward to seeing them around the park soon."

Waratahs hooker Adiana Talakai also bolsters the front-row whilst Kaitlan Leaney shifts to lock to partner captain Michaela Leonard.

Sera Naiqama, Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Trilleen Pomare are the new faces on the bench as they look for their first win of the tournament.

"Training here in Ottawa has been incredible," interim captain Leonard added.

"Though it's hot and humid, the girls are keen to put on a better performance than last week's match, and chase a win.

"We've taken time to review what went wrong and how we can avoid those situations - now it's time to put that planning into action."

The match will be shown live, ad-free and on-demand on Stan Sport on Sunday 9 July, with kick-off set for 6:00am AEST.

WALLAROOS TEAM TO FACE USA

1. Bree-Anna Cheatham – 26 – Queensland Reds – 2 caps

2. Adiana Talakai – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 10 caps

3. Eva Karpani – 27 – NSW Waratahs – 14 caps

4. Michaela Leonard – 28 – Western Force – 15 caps (C)

5. Kaitlan Leaney – 22 – TBA – 8 caps

6. Ashley Marsters – 29 – Melbourne Rebels – 20 caps

7. Emily Chancellor – 31 – TBA – 16 caps

8. Grace Hamilton – 31 – NSW Waratahs – 26 caps

9. Layne Morgan – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 12 caps

10. Arabella McKenzie – 24 – TBA – 15 caps

11. Ivania Wong – 25 – Queensland Reds – 8 caps

12. Cecilia Smith – 29 – Queensland Reds – 6 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs – 28 – NSW Waratahs – 12 caps (VC)

14. Maya Stewart – 23 – NSW Waratahs – 2 caps

15. Lori Cramer – 30 – TBA – 15 caps

Reserves

16. Tania Naden – 31 – ACT Brumbies – 3 caps

17. Emily Robinson – 30 – NSW Waratahs – 19 caps

18. Bridie O’Gorman – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 12 caps

19. Sera Naiqama – 27 – NSW Waratahs – 7 caps

20. Tabua Tuinakauvadra – 20 – ACT Brumbies – 1 cap

21. Jasmin Huriwai – 29 – ACT Brumbies – 1 cap

22. Trilleen Pomare – 30 – Western Force – 21 caps

23. Alana Elisaia – 29 – Queensland Reds – 2 caps

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