The St.George Queensland Reds side to face the Melbourne Rebels Women in Coffs Harbour this Sunday has been announced, with six changes made to the starting XV that ran out against the NSW Waratahs at Easts in Round 1.
Easts prop Maletina Brown and Bond University hooker Madi Shuck will start in the frontrow, after making their Super W and Queensland debuts last weekend, while Lesa Kaleti Mataafa will start at Number 8 after an impressive performance from the bench last weekend.
In the backs, Cecilia Smith will move from outside centre to inside centre, making way for Melanie Wilks to make her starting debut in the 13 jersey, while Kauna Lopa will also make her starting debut at fullback, covering for Emily Bass who has been competing at the Oceania Sevens tournament in Townsville.
Brisbane Junior Rugby Union (BJRU) graduate and University of Queensland AON University Sevens star Natalie Wright has been a late inclusion to the squad, coming in as an injury replacement for Caitlyn Costello. Wright will start on the wing, making her Super W and Queensland debut.
In the reserves, Chand has opted for a six-two split, and has included GPS prop Hilisha Samoa, who was the Wallaroos player of the tournament at the 2017 World Cup in Ireland.
“We’ve made some changes this week to provide different players with an opportunity to perform, while also managing loads as we head into three-day turnarounds between games,” said head coach Rama Chand.
“We’ve named a strong squad that we believe can do the job against the Rebels, as we look to bounce back after last weekend’s loss to the Waratahs.
“The nature of this tournament is we’ve already had some injuries and as such we’ve had to bring in some players before we head to Coffs Harbour.
“Nat Wright had strong form during the AON University Sevens tournament for UQ and is versatile as a player with the ability to cover scrumhalf and flyhalf, as well as the outside backs.
“We’ve also welcomed Hilisha Samoa into the squad, who brings plenty of experience at the top level of the game, having starred for the Wallaroos at the last World Cup. She is a set piece specialist and will provide plenty of impact off the bench.”
The St.George Queensland Reds clash with the Melbourne Rebels kicks off at 1:00pm AEST this Sunday, 27 June, and will be broadcast LIVE on Stan Sport.
