Centre pairing reunited as Yapp makes two changes for crunch match against Canada

Thu, Sep 11, 2025, 1:30 PM
Nick Wasiliev
by Nick Wasiliev

Wallaroos head coach Jo Yapp is opting for consistency as Australia chases a maiden win over Canada in Sunday's World Cup quarter finals.

The starting side will see just two changes, with Yapp sticking solid with her starting front and second rows.

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The one forward change comes in the promotion of Emily Chancellor in place of Ashley Marsters, who returns to the bench. Chancellor Piper Duck and Siokapesi Palu, who retains the captain’s armband. 

The second change reunites Cecilia Smith with Georgina Friedrichs in the centres, after the pair impressed against Samoa and the USA.

Samantha Wood and Faitala Moleka retain their positions in the halves, as will back three trio Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart and Caitlyn Halse. 

The bench sees two new faces, with Katalina Amosa and Ashley Fernandez returning to the matchday squad alongside props Faliki Pohiva and Bridie O'Gorman.

Trilleen Pomare also returns to the bench in a straight swap for Smith and covers the backline alonngside Tia Hinds, who is set to earn her tenth cap in gold after making her debut earlier this year.

"We appreciate it was a loss against England last week but we had an aim to make the quarters to give ourselves a shot and the players have achieved that," Jo Yapp said in a statement.

"We started well against England with our game management and need to show that for longer periods of the game this week.

"The focus in training is on us. Canada is a physical team and like to move the ball so we are excited for the challenge."

WALLAROOS TEAM TO PLAY CANADA

1. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) – 11 caps

2. Adiana Talakai (#182 - Sydney University) – 20 caps

3. Asoiva Karpani (#171 - Southern Suburbs) – 40 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - SCU Marlins) – 34 caps

5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 41 caps

6. Piper Duck (#185 - Tumut Bullettes) – 21 caps

7. Emily Chancellor (#158 - Sydney University) – 33 caps

8. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 22 caps

9. Samantha Wood (#207 - Kalamunda Rugby) – 10 caps

10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 25 caps

11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 22 caps

12. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 27 caps

13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - Wests Bulldogs) – 37 caps

14. Maya Stewart (#196 - Nelson Bay Gropers) – 21 caps

15. Caitlyn Halse (#210 - Camden Rams) – 14 caps

 Reserves

16. Katalina Amosa (#218 - Southern Districts) – 8 caps

17. Faliki Pohiva (#219 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 7 caps

18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 36 caps

19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 - Uni-North Owls) – 5 caps

20. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Boroondara) – 44 caps

21. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Orange Emus) – 21 caps

22. Tia Hinds (#222 - Randwick) – 9 caps

23. Trilleen Pomare (#155 - Wanneroo) – 42 caps

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