The St.George Queensland Women’s XV side has been named for their Round 3 Buildcorp Super W clash against NSW Women, at Sydney’s Leichhart Oval, this Sunday 10 March.
Queensland head coach Moana Virtue has made three changes to her starting XV that ran out against Rugby WA last weekend at Suncorp Stadium.
In the forwards, Wallaroos prop Hana Ngaha will make her Super W return having missed the opening two rounds with a calf injury, while Scottish break-away Eilidh Sinclair returns to the starting line-up at open-side side flanker, seeing the backrow shuffle with Millie Boyle moving into lock.
In the backs, with Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea unavailable for selection due to Sevens commitments, Sunnybank’s Eseta Aho-Fangoloka is set to make her starting debut.
In the reserves, Virtue has added two experienced heads to her ranks, with Olympic Gold Medal winning Sevens player Amy Turner named alongside fellow Australian Sevens representative Georgie Freidrichs.
Turner hasn’t played for Queensland since the 2017 Brisbane Global Rugby tens, while Freidrichs hasn’t had the opportunity to represent her state since the 2016 National Sevens State Championships. The duo’s return is timely, with current Australian Sevens representative Samantha Treherne also unavailable this week due to Sevens commitments.
“Heading into what is a big match against NSW, it’s great to welcome back some experienced players into the side,” said Virtue.
“Hana (Ngaha) has played at Test level for Australia, while both Amy (Turner) and Georgie (Freidrichs) have played Sevens at the highest level on the World Series.
“Having the players around the group has benefits on and off the field, as they know how to prepare and compete at the professional level.
“Despite welcoming these girls back into the fold, we’ve been able to keep selections relatively consistent across the competition so far, which helps us as we head into the grand final re-match.”
Queensland currently sit atop the Super W ladder with 10 competition points, however NSW have a game in hand having had a Round 2 bye.
“Sunday’s match will be an important one as we come up against the reigning champions, who’ve been our close rivals since before the Super W was introduced,"" said Virtue.
“It will be a big weekend in Sydney, with the Reds playing the Waratahs on Saturday night as well, and the outcome of the Super W match potentially determining our finals situation.
“It’s important for the side to remain focused however, and approach the game in the same manner we have prepared for our opening two rounds.”
The Queensland Women’s XV will clash with NSW Women this Sunday, 10 March, at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, kicking off at 2:00pm AEST. The match will be broadcast live on Kayo and online via www.Rugby.com.au.
St.George Queensland Women’s XV side to face NSW Women:
Hana Ngaha - Souths
Averyl Mitchell - University of Queensland
Christina Sekona - Sunnybank
Alisha Hewett - GPS/ADF
Millie Boyle - Bond University
Shannon Mato - Sunnybank
Eilidh Sinclair - Sunnybank
Kiri Lingman - Sunnybank
Cobie-Jane Morgan - Sunnybank
Lavinia Gould - Wests
Ivania Wong - Sunnybank
Eseta Aho-Fangaloka - Sunnybank**
Cecilia Smith - Brothers
Alana Elisaia - Sunnybank
Lori Cramer - University of Queensland
Reserves
Ivy Kaleta - Sunnybank
Ana Fotu - University of Queensland
Toa Filimoehala - Sunnybank
Saxon Campbell - Redlands
Vetekina Aho-Fangaloka - Sunnybank
Ayane Hirata - Sunnybank
Amy Turner - Sunnybank*
Georgie Friedrichs - Wests*
*Potential Super W debut
**Starting Super W debut