Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning has confirmed Sharni Williams will start on her 15-a-side return as he names the team to face the Black Ferns at Eden Park.
Williams will partner Georgina Friedrichs in the centres, with a packed-out crowd expected for the opening matchday of Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022).
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Sera Naiqama will also line up for her first start for the Wallaroos, joined by Waratahs teammate Atasi Lafai in the second-row.
“Most of the pressure is on our hosts, the Black Ferns,” Tregonning said in a statement.
“The reality is that if you are playing international Rugby at the highest level, this is the atmosphere and the pressure that you should be craving. As Rugby players, what could be better than opening a Rugby World Cup in front of a record-breaking crowd against the host nation?
“We want to use that energy to really inspire us, and feed our performance. The entire squad has worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup – I am so impressed by the players’ attitude and work-ethic.
“The selected 23 players have been in great form at training, however they have really been pushed by the entire squad – the intensity level has been high and it means that I have full confidence in the players selected for our first match.”
Bridie O'Gorman is the only other change to the starting side from Adelaide, swapping with Eva Karpani at tight-head prop.
Bienne Terita retains her spot on the wing, joined by the dangerous Ivania Wong and Pauline Piliae-Rasabale in the back three.
Michaela Leonard is the lone change to the bench, joined by Brumbies teammate Grace Kemp as they hunt for their first win over their Kiwi counterparts.
“Our opener against the Black Ferns on Saturday will be a massive spectacle this weekend,” captain Shannon Parry added.
“To play on this scale at an iconic venue like Eden Park is incredible – especially when coupled with these record-breaking attendance figures.
“To represent Australia on the world stage, surrounded by my teammates and supported by my family, is going to be such a special moment.
“I’ll be looking out for that sprinkling of green-and-gold in amongst the blacked-out stadium.”
The clash will be shown live and ad-free on Stan Sport and 9Gem, with the game set to kick off at 5:15 pm (AEDT).
Wallaroos team to play the Black Ferns at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday 8 October, 7.15pm NZST / 5.15pm AEST
1. Liz Patu – Queensland Reds
2. Adiana Talakai – New South Wales Waratahs
3. Bridie O'Gorman – New South Wales Waratahs
4. Sera Naiqama – New South Wales Waratahs
5. Atasi Lafai – New South Wales Waratahs
6. Emily Chancellor – New South Wales Waratahs
7. Shannon Parry (C) – Queensland Reds
8. Grace Hamilton – New South Wales Waratahs
9. Iliseva Batibasaga – New South Wales Waratahs
10. Arabella McKenzie – New South Wales Waratahs
11. Ivania Wong – Queensland Reds
12. Sharni Williams – Australian Sevens
13. Georgina Friedrichs – New South Wales Waratahs
14. Bienne Terita – Australian Sevens
15.Pauline Piliae-Rasabale – New South Wales Waratahs
Reserves
16. Ashley Marsters – Melbourne Rebels
17. Emily Robinson – New South Wales Waratahs
18.Eva Karpani – New South Wales Waratahs
19. Michaela Leonard - ACT Brumbies
20. Grace Kemp – ACT Brumbies
21. Layne Morgan – New South Wales Waratahs
22. Trilleen Pomare - Western Force
23. Lori Cramer – New South Wales Waratahs
