Five eighth Trilleen Pomare and winger Mahalia Murphy will debut for Australia in their Women’s Rugby World Cup opener against hosts Ireland.
Wallaroos coach Paul Verrell has pinned plenty of faith in West Australian Pomare, selecting her in the key playmaking role for the Dublin clash on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
She and Sevens speedster Murphy were the only two uncapped players chosen in the World Cup squad and both have been thrust straight into the action in a team to be captained by Sevens Olympic gold medallist Shannon Parry.
“We’ve put together our strongest team to take on the tournament hosts,” said Verrell.
“Our lead up to the 2017 tournament has been the best yet, with state-based training and the Four Nations tournament (in New Zealand) providing us with a great platform to build from.
“Facing Ireland first up will be a challenge, but it will also provide our girls the chance to set the tone of the tournament.”
Wallaroos team to play Ireland:
Samantha Treherne, Nareta Marsters, Kayla Sauvao, Sharni Williams, Mahalia Murphy, Trilleen Pomare, Katrina Barker, Grace Hamilton, Shannon Parry (capt), Mollie Gray, Millie Boyle, Chloe Butler, Hilisha Samoa, Cheyenne Campbell, Liz Patu. Res: Emily Robinson, Violeta Tupuola, Hana Ngaha, Rebecca Clough, Alisha Hewett, Fenella Hake, Sarah Riordan, Ashleigh Hewson.
cuw
Guest
i just cant understand why these teams have to play with such short notice. gaps between games for some teams are as short as 3 days !!! this is crazy if the increase in the number of teams means this - then dont increase. just dulls the competition - becoz these are not Terminators that can re-generate themselves. the wear n tear plus fatigue is real. silly to see the suits have not learnt a lesson - after the hammering japan got from Scots with simillar short gap.
Derm
Roar Guru
Brilliant game. Well done to the Women In Green. Tough, tough match and nothing spared by both sets of players.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Not sure I can go back to sleep after that match... 19-17 Ireland. Awesome game
Derm
Roar Guru
7-5 to Ireland at half-time. Australia wilting in the Irish summer heat. Must be nearly 55 degrees F out there....
Andrew Sua
Guest
Cmon girls, wish you all the best, Beat the Irish..
DaniE
Roar Guru
Currently watching a replay of the 2014 final - Australia representing with Amy Perrett as referee
DaniE
Roar Guru
I'll be too bleary-eyed to do the blog justice!
Machooka
Roar Guru
You doing the 'live blog'?? :)
DaniE
Roar Guru
For the tournament? Not necessarily... England's Red Roses are the favourite. The Home Unions benefit from a heap more competition - but who knows with Portia Woodman in the Black Ferns side.
Rugby Floss
Guest
Yes perhaps. But also another win to my young daughter who will watch these games and be inspired by these women.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Going to wake up at crazy-o-clock to support them Chook. As you say - it's an occasion!!!
republican
Guest
......ho hum, another win to NZ............
Digs
Guest
Can this be watched online? Go the Wallaroos!
Machooka
Roar Guru
Too right Dani... massive game against the Irish first up in front of their faithful. What an occasion!?! C'arn da Wallaroo... and do yourself proud!
Rugby Floss
Guest
Congratulations and all the best Trilleen!! What a stage to debut upon. Go the Wallaroos!
DaniE
Roar Guru
Go Wallaroos. Will be cheering them on.