Wallaroos Test Charlotte Caslick's Versatility for Black Ferns Mission

Thu, Jul 10, 2025, 3:41 AM
QU
by Queensland Rugby Media Unit
Charlotte Caslick's versatility is being tested by the Wallaroos
Charlotte Caslick's versatility is being tested by the Wallaroos

Charlotte Caslick will feature in her third backline position for the Wallaroos in Saturday's Test against the Black Ferns in Wellington.

The Australian sevens star has been selected at outside centre after previous Tests on the wing and at inside centre since her switch to the 15-a-side game.

It's four positions this season if you include her stint at fullback when she first joined the Queensland Reds for her 2025 quest to play at the Rugby World Cup in England.

Caslick and halfback Layne Morgan are the Reds in the starting side while experienced prop Eva Karpani will bring her explosive game to the action from the bench.

Six Brumbies have been included in the Wallaroos team as they aim for an elusive maiden victory over the Black Ferns in the second instalment of the O’Reilly Cup for this year.

Tania Naden, Siokapesi Palu, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Tia Hinds, Faitala Moleka and Lydia Kavoa are all named, with Kavoa recalled to the matchday 23 after returning from a calf injury.

Head coach Jo Yapp complimented the squad's approach and preparation for this huge clash.

"We also welcome back Piper Duck, Lydia Kavoa, Sammy Wood and Annabelle Codey, who are all great inclusions for us at this time of the year," Yapp said.

"Our World Cup preparations are well and truly underway and we have been really impressed with how the players are stepping up at training."

Hinds gets the nod at flyhalf with Moleka switching to fullback, while Naden returns to start in the front row. Tuinakauvadra will take to the field at No.8 after scoring in the 50-22 win for Australia A over Manusina Samoa at her home ground of Viking Park last month.

Palu again leads the team from blindside flanker.

The Wallaroos will wear their alternate First Nations jersey in Wellington on Saturday as part of NAIDOC week celebrations.

The countdown for Rugby World Cup 2025 continues. Tickets to our two remaining home Tests against Wales are available at wallaroos.rugby/tickets

WALLAROOS TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND

1. Faliki Pohiva (#219 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 2 caps

2. Tania Naden (#197 - Uni-North Owls) – 22 caps

3. Bridie O’Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 30 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - CSU Marlins) – 28 caps

5. Michaela Leonard (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 36 caps

6. Siokapesi Palu (c) (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 20 caps

7. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Boroondara) – 38 caps

8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Orange Emus) – 15 caps

9. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 33 caps

10. Tia Hinds (#222 - Randwick) – 3 caps

11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 16 caps

12. Trilleen Pomare (#155 - Wanneroo) – 37 caps

13. Charlotte Caslick (#220 - Wests Bulldogs) – 4 caps

14. Waiaria Ellis (Blacktown Scorpions)* – debut

15. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 20 caps

Reserves

16. Adiana Talakai (#182 - Sydney University) – 17 caps

17. Lydia Kavoa (#214 - Eastern Suburbs) – 6 caps

18. Eva Karpani (#171 - Southern Suburbs) – 35 caps

19. Annabelle Codey (#189 – Easts Brisbane) – 5 caps

20. Piper Duck (#185 – Tumut Bullettes) – 15 caps

21. Emily Chancellor (#158 - Sydney University) – 27 caps

22. Samantha Wood (#207 – Kalamunda Rugby) – 4 caps

23. Cecilia Smith (#190 - Leeton Dianas) – 22 caps

*denotes debutant

WALLAROOS 2025 TEST SCHEDULE

  • Saturday, May 3: Wallaroos 43 defeated Fijiana 7 at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
  • Saturday, May 10: Wallaroos 12 defeated by Black Ferns 38 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
  • Saturday, May 17: Wallaroos 27 defeated USA 19 at GIO Stadium, Canberra
  • Friday, May 23: Canada 45 defeated Wallaroos 7 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
  • Saturday, July 12: Black Ferns v Wallaroos, Sky Stadium, Wellington - 2:30pm AEST (O'Reilly Cup)
  • Saturday, July 26: Wallaroos v Wales, Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane - 2:00pm AEST
  • Friday, August 1: Wallaroos v Wales, North Sydney Oval - 7:00pm AEST

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2025

  • Saturday, August 23: Wallaroos v Samoa, Salford Community Stadium, Manchester - 9:00pm AEST
  • Sunday, August 31: Wallaroos v USA at York Community Stadium, York - 4:30am AEST
  • Sunday, September 7: Wallaroos v England at Brighton and Hove Stadium, Brighton and Hove - 2:00am AEST

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