Wallaroos interim coach Sam Needs has made several changes as they hunt for their first ever win over New Zealand on Saturday in the Sunshine Coast.
It comes after defeats to the USA and Canada, with Brumbies back-rower Lily Bone handed her debut start.
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Bone replaces Emily Chancellor at openside flanker, with Kaitlan Leaney shifting to blindside.
Further changes in the forwards see Michaela Leonard named to start at lock alongside Tiarah Minns.
Leonard will break the all-time record for caps for the Wallaroos, going past Ash Marsters’ record of 46.
The Western Force lock led the side to their maiden silverware in 2024, taking out the WXV 2 title.
In the backs, Faitala Moleka has moved back to flyhalf after starting the year at fullback.
The move allows Waiaria Ellis to start at the back, joined by Waratahs teammates Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart.
Needs has recalled Brittany Merlo and Ash Fernandez to the bench, with Martha Fua added after she joined the squad in place of an injured Faliki Pohiva.
Flyhalf Nicole Ledington comes off the bench, alongside Sevens converts Piper Simons and Ava Wereta.
It’s the first time the two sides will meet on ANZAC Day, with the Wallaroos playing their maiden game at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
"Playing on Anzac Day is a significant moment for our sport and the players and staff are incredibly honoured by the opportunity to represent our nation on a commemorative day," Needs said.
"We are looking to finish our Pacific Four series strong after returning from the US trip with lifelong memories and experiences.
"We’d also like to congratulate Michaela Leonard. It’s an incredible achievement for Michaela to become the most-capped Wallaroo and a credit to her longevity and determination to get better every day."
WALLAROOS TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND
1. Brianna Hoy (#203 - NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 12 caps
2. Tania Naden (#197 – ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 28 caps
3. Eva Karpani (#171 - Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 44 caps
4. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 45 caps
5. Tiarah Minns (#217 - Queensland Reds/Melbourne University) – 5 caps
6. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 38 caps
7. Lily Bone (#229 – ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 2 caps
8. Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c) (#194 - ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 26 caps
9. Samantha Wood (#207 - Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 14 caps
10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 29 caps
11. Desiree Miller (#204 - NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 26 caps
12. Sidney Taylor (#227 - Queensland Reds/Wests Bulldogs) – 3 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (#178 - NSW Waratahs/Wests Bulldogs) – 41 caps
14. Maya Stewart (#196 - NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 25 caps
15. Waiaria Ellis (#225 - NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 5 caps
Reserves
16. Brittany Merlo (#230 – NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 2 caps
17. Martha Fua (#223 – ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 2 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 40 caps
19. Ashley Fernandez (#221 – ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 8 caps
20. Piper Duck (#185 - NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 25 caps
21. Piper Simons (#231 – NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby) – 1 cap
22. Ava Wereta (#233 - Queensland Reds/Coomera Crushers) – 1 cap
23. Nicole Ledington (#226 - Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby Club) – 3 caps
Unavailable for selection due to injury • Cecilia Smith (hamstring) • Faliki Pohiva (foot)
