Queensland Reds head coach Simon Craig has confirmed his side for Sunday's Buildcorp Super W’ top of the table clash against the Waratahs in Sydney.
Craig has made four changes to his starting side, with Cristo Tofa and Alapeta Ngauamo set to start in the front row against the undefeated New South Wales side.
Kiwi import Sam Curtis returns to the starting side on the wing, while playmaker Renae Nona will make her first appearance in the fullback jersey after starting the season at flyhalf.
Craig said: “Sunday is a huge opportunity for our squad. The Waratahs have been the team to beat in Super W since the competition’s inception, so this is a great test to see where we’re at this season.
“We’ve been happy with our performances so far this year but know there’s plenty of improvement to be made if we are to achieve our goals this season.
“The Waratahs have been in great form, they’re undefeated and we know we will need to play to our full potential if we are to beat them this weekend.”
Tofa and Ngauamo start alongside Wallaroo Bree-Anna Cheatham upfront, while Deni Ross and Annabelle Codey reprise their combination in the second row.
The backrow is unchanged, with skipper Shannon Parry combining with Carola Kreis and Haidee Head.
Kiwi imports Diane Hiini and Carys Dallinger again start in the halves, with Cecilia Smith and Briana Dascombe lining up in the centres as Queensland look to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Queensland’s all-time leading try-scorer Ivania Wong lines up on the wing alongside Curtis and Nona in the back-three.
The likes of Madi Schuck, Hana Lane and Ellie Draper will provide impact off the bench as Queensland aim to defeat their interstate rivals for the first time in Super W history.
New South Wales Waratahs v Queensland Reds, Sunday 16 April, Concord Oval, Sydney, 3:05pm AEST. Watch live on Stan Sport.
- Bree-Anna Cheatham – Wests – St Augustine’s College
- Cristo Tofa* – Ponsonby Rugby Club – Henderson Intermediate School, NZ
- Alapeta Nqauamo – GPS – St James’ College
- Deni Ross – Wests – Oak Hill College
- Annabelle Codey – Easts – Somerville House
- Carola Kreis – Bond University – Columneetza Secondary, Canada
- Shannon Parry (c) – Easts – Moreton Bay College
- Haidee Head – Easts – Loudes Hill College
- Diane Hiini – University of Canterbury Rugby Club – Ellesmere College
- Carys Dallinger – Matakesi Rugby Club – Manukura School
- Ivania Wong – Sunnybank – Balmoral State High School
- Cecilia Smith – Sunnybank – Leeton State High School
- Briana Dascombe – Wests – Fairholme College, Toowoomba
- Sam Curtis – College Rifles – Waimea College, New Zealand
- Renae Nona – Sunnybank – Cavendish Road State High School
- Madi Schuck – Easts – Alexandra Hills State High School
- Tiarna Molloy – Easts – Warialda State High School
- Theresa Soloai – Easts – Holland Park State High School
- Tina Campbell – GPS – St Hilda’s School
- Hana Lane – Wests – West Island School, Hong Kong
- Sarah Lewis – GPS – Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay
- Ellie Draper – Souths – Carmel College
- Alana Elisaia – Wests – Cleveland State High School
*denotes Queensland and Super W starting debut
