Ashley Marsters will miss the Wallaroos’ WXV1 clash with France while uncapped Queenslander Melanie Wilks is in line for a potential Test debut on Saturday.
Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning has made four changes from the side beaten by England last week with Sera Naiqama, Desiree Miller, Leilani Nathan and Wilks joining the match-day 23 to face Les Bleus in Dunedin.
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“Responding from the game against England and showing good execution against France is our priority," Tregonning said.
“France had a good win over the Black Ferns in Wellington last weekend and we expect them to be full of confidence but we’re confident in our gameplan as well".
The inclusion of lock Naiqama and winger Miller are straight swaps for Annabelle Codey (suspension) and Maya Stewart (concussion) while Nathan replaces Marsters as a backrow finisher despite the Rebel’s impressive showing against England.
Both Marsters and veteran back Lori Cramer were considered for selection, however Tregonning said neither were "at 100 per cent" and would be revisited for inclusion against Wales next week.
Wilks’ inclusion caps a long journey through Caboolture Snakers, Queensland 7s and a six-year stint at Bond University, with whom she has won consecutive Queensland Premier Women’s titles.
“We’ve obviously had to make a number of forced changes to the line-up, and we feel Wilks has earned the opportunity following her performance in training,” Tregonning said.
“She has been around the Wallaroos group for a number of years and part of several touring squads without getting an opportunity to pull on the Wallaroos Jersey, it is an exciting time for her and recognition of the hard work she has continued to put in over a number of years.”
Up front, Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden and Eva Karpani retain their starting roles ahead of Bree-Anna Cheatham, Adiana Talakai and Emily Robinson with Pesi Palu, Emily Chancellor and Kaitlan Leaney unchanged in the backrow.
Layne Morgan and Carys Dallinger will reprise their halves pairing, as will Arabella McKenzie and Georgina Friedrichs in the centres. Ivania Wong and Faitala Moleka are unchanged on the wing and at fullback.
On the pine, Atasi Lafai and Nathan provide lock and backrow cover with Sarah Dougherty and Cecilia Smith retained alongside Reds teammate Wilks as backline finishers.
Wallaroos team to play France at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin on Saturday 28 October, 5:00pm AEDT
Starters
1. Brianna Hoy – 1 cap
2. Tania Naden – 7 caps
3. Eva Karpani – 19 caps
4. Sera Naiqama – 11 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (c) – 19 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu – 4 caps
7. Emily Chancellor – 21 caps
8. Kaitlan Leaney – 13 caps
9. Layne Morgan – 17 caps
10. Carys Dallinger – 4 caps
11. Ivania Wong – 13 caps
12. Arabella McKenzie – 19 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – 17 caps
14. Desiree Miller – 1 cap
15. Faitala Moleka – 4 caps
Finishers
16. Adiana Talakai – 14 caps
17. Bree-Anna Cheatham – 7 caps
18. Emily Robinson – 23 caps
19. Atasi Lafai – 7 caps
20. Leilani Nathan - 1 cap
21. Sarah Dougherty – 1 cap
22. Cecilia Smith – 10 caps
23. Melanie Wilks - uncapped
BUILDCORP WALLAROOS WXV1 FIXTURES
Wallaroos 7 def by v England 42 on Friday 20 October, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wallaroos v France, 5:00pm (AEDT), Saturday 28 October, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Wallaroos v Wales, 5:00pm (AEDT), Friday 3 November, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
