The Australia women’s rugby union squad has been announced for the trans-Tasman clash with the New Zealand Black Ferns.
The Wallaroos have named a 23-player squad to travel to Eden Park on Saturday as they look to claim their first ever win against the Black Ferns after 14 unsuccessful attempts.
Australia hasn’t played a Test since the 2014 World Cup but has been in camp in recent weeks on the Gold Coast to prepare for their New Zealand tour and recently played a warm-up match against the Auckland Storm, which resulted in a 21-19 victory for the Wallaroos.
Ashleigh Hewson will captain a squad featuring 12 debutants have been named in the squad, six of which have been named in the starting side. None of the Olympic Gold Medal winning rugby sevens team is featured in the squad.
Head coach Paul Verrell believes that the influx of new talent in the squad has the Wallaroos well positioned to claim a breakthrough victory.
“I just think they’re (New Zealand) used to that level, we’ve them 14 times and haven’t beaten them.
“They’re pretty strong right across the park, they’re physical and they’ve got pace and a lot of experience.”
“I think some of the girls a little bit more physically ready now.
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“The major things is a lot of them haven’t played New Zealand. There’s no bad memories. With the mix of old, we’re pretty excited about that.”
The Black Ferns squad includes three members from the Olympic Silver Medal winning sevens side.In a further boost for the profile of women’s sport, the match will act as the opener of a trans-tasman double header with the men’s test match between the Wallabies and All Blacks to take place at the conclusion of the women’s match.
The Wallaroos match against the Black Ferns will kick off at 2.55pm AEDT and will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS.