The Super Rugby Women’s sides are gearing up for next week’s opener as the teams welcome back a host of stars for the final trials of 2025.
The Western Force welcome the NSW Waratahs to Perth on Saturday and are boosted by Japanese pair Megumi Takagi and Mio Yamanaka.
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Takagi starts in the front row alongside Wallaroos Alapeta Ngauamo, with Tamanaka set to come off the bench.
Ash Marsters has been named at number eight after coming off the bench last weekend, whilst 14-cap Wallaroo Samantha Treherne showed off her versatility on the wing.
For the Waratahs, they welcome back Kaitlan Leaney after her stint in England with Harlequins.
Leaney was vice-captain of the ‘Quins, helping them qualify for the finals which commence next weekend.
Emily Chancellor captains the side with Piper Duck amongst other Wallaroos stars rested following their tour of NZ, with Waiaria Ellis retaining the flyhalf position.
Leilani Nathan fills Duck’s spot at the back of the scrum, with twin sister Nicole in the midfield.
Meanwhile, the ACT Brumbies have named prop Iroha Kishimoto for her first start of the season. She is fresh off helping the Tokyo Phoenix claim the National Women's Rugby Football Championship in Japan.
Coach Andy Friend has a team close to full strength, with six Wallaroos in the starting lineup.
"I was really pleased with our last match, we looked like a much more cohesive side both with and without the ball," said Friend.
“We're getting to the pointy end now so we need to continue narrowing down what our Round 1 side might look like. If girls aren't in the side this weekend it doesn't mean that they won't be involved in Round 1, but those that do play this weekend have a really good opportunity to push their claim for selection in Perth.”
As for the Reds, the return of Wallaroo Bree-Anna Browne is a major boost after over 12 months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Browne (née Cheatham) picked up the injury in the final minutes of Australia’s win over Wales during WXV 1 in 2023.
“I'm excited to get back out there and compete,” Browne said.
“What I'm looking forward to the most is the feeling of being back in the game, surrounded by my teammates, and giving it my all. It's been too long since I've experienced that rush of adrenaline.”
