Duck back from the bench for Canada clash as Wallaroos make three changes

Piper Duck returns to the Wallaroos for their final Pacific Four Series match against Canada, but won’t lead the team.

Interim captain Michaela Leonard and vice-captain Georgina Friedrichs resume their leadership roles, while Wallaroos captain Piper Duck returns via the bench.

“We saw a much-improved performance against the USA last week,” said coach Jay Tregonning. Australia beat the Americans for the first time having suffered a 50-0 hiding against New Zealand.

“Canada plays a very different style of game and we’ve taken that into consideration during our preparation this week.

“We saw how physical and fast they were against the Black Ferns, and now the Wallaroos are raring to compete against the fourth-best team in the world.”

ACT Brumbies Super W Captain Siokapesi Palu steps in at number 12, replacing Cecelia Smith at inside centre.

Madison Schuck has secured her spot in the reserves alongside fellow prop Bridie O’Gorman, while Duck substitutes for Tabua Tuinakauvadra.

“We’ve had a really positive training week,” said Leonard.

“The squad has worked hard on refining our structures and areas of improvement from last week’s match.

“Although we’ve adapted well to the heat here in Ottawa, the opportunity to play in the evening during the cooler temperatures is a bonus.

“Off the back of last week’s win, our focus has been to continue to strive to be better each day. In the current world rankings, Canada presents as an exciting opportunity to continue chasing that goal.”

The match will kick-off set at 9:00am AEST on Saturday.

WALLAROOS TEAM

1. Bree-Anna Cheatham – 26 – Queensland Reds – 2 caps
2. Adiana Talakai – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 10 caps
3. Eva Karpani – 27 – NSW Waratahs – 14 caps
4. Michaela Leonard – 28 – Western Force – 15 caps (C)
5. Kaitlan Leaney – 22 – TBA – 8 caps
6. Ashley Marsters – 29 – Melbourne Rebels – 20 caps
7. Emily Chancellor – 31 – TBA – 16 caps
8. Grace Hamilton – 31 – NSW Waratahs – 26 caps
9. Layne Morgan – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 12 caps
10. Arabella McKenzie – 24 – TBA – 15 caps
11. Ivania Wong – 25 – Queensland Reds – 8 caps
12. Siokapesi Palu – 26 – ACT Brumbies – 2 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs – 28 – NSW Waratahs – 12 caps (VC)
14. Maya Stewart – 23 – NSW Waratahs – 2 caps
15. Lori Cramer – 30 – TBA – 15 caps

Replacements

16. Tania Naden – 31 – ACT Brumbies – 3 caps
17. Madison Schuck – 31 – Queensland Reds – 5 caps
18. Bridie O’Gorman – 24 – NSW Waratahs – 12 caps
19. Sera Naiqama – 27 – NSW Waratahs – 7 caps
20. Piper Duck – 22 – NSW Waratahs – 10 caps
21. Jasmin Huriwai – 29 – ACT Brumbies – 1 cap
22. Trilleen Pomare – 30 – Western Force – 21 caps
23. Alana Elisaia – 29 – Queensland Reds – 2 caps