Duck returns as Wallaroos confirm side for Canada clash

Wed, Jul 12, 2023, 10:57 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Wallaroos travelled to Tauranga for the first match of the Pacific Four series against the Black Ferns.

The Wallaroos have confirmed the return of captain Piper Duck for Saturday's match with Canada.

Duck will play her first game since being appointed skipper following the retirement of Shannon Parry, overcoming a foot injury.

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The Waratah will come off the bench for the final match of the Pacific Four Series, with Jay Tregonning keeping a settled squad from last week's dominant USA win.

Tregonning has made just one change to the starting side, with Siokapesi Palu replacing Cecilia Smith.

Duck is joined on the bench by Madison Schuck, with the Wallaroos out for just their second win over the Canadians.

"We saw a much improved performance against the USA last week," said Tregonning. 

"Canada plays a very different style of game and we've taken that into consideration during preparations this week.

"We saw how dominant they were against the Black Ferns last week, and now the Wallaroos are raring to compete against the fourth-best team in the world." 

The Wallaroos currently sit third in the Pacific Four Series following the bonus-point win over the USA.

The Pacific Four Series will determine the groups for WXV, with the top three qualifying for November's WXV 1 in New Zealand

"The girls have really enjoyed training here in Ottawa," added captain Michaela Leonard. 

"We've made the most of the heat and are looking forward to playing in the evening on Friday, when it's a bit cooler.

"Off the back of last week's win, we're keen to dig deep and face up to the challenge that Canada presents."

The match will be shown live, ad-free and on-demand on Stan Sport on Saturday 15 July, with kick-off set for 9:00am AEST.

WALLAROOS TEAM TO FACE CANADA

1. Bree-Anna Cheatham

2. Adiana Talakai

3. Eva Karpani

4. Michaela Leonard (c)

5. Kaitlan Leaney

6. Ashley Marsters

7. Emily Chancellor

8. Grace Hamilton

9. Layne Morgan

10. Arabella McKenzie

11. Ivania Wong

12. Siokapesi Palu

13. Georgina Friedrichs (vc)

14. Maya Stewart

15. Lori Cramer

Reserves

16. Tania Naden

17. Madison Schuck

18. Bridie O’Gorman

19. Sera Naiqama

20. Piper Duck

21. Jasmin Huriwai

22. Trilleen Pomare

23. Alana Elisaia

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