Yapp recalls Wood to Wallaroos side

October 03, 2024
498
Ultimate Rugby

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has parachuted scrum half Samantha Wood straight into the side to face South Africa on Sunday (AEST) in the second round of the WXV competition.

Wood will start on the bench after a foot injury to Nat Wright ruled the Queenslander out for the rest of the tournament.

Watch the Wallaroos tackle South Africa live and exclusively on Stan Sport.

Wright limped off the field in the final minutes of the 37-5 win over Wales to open WXV 2.

Waratahs young gun Waiaria Ellis has also been added as Brumbies lock Ash Fernandez departs with a shoulder injury suffered during training.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Nat and Ash to injury, both have been working really hard and made a lot of progress,” Yapp said in a statement.

“Sammy comes back in and Waiaria gets an opportunity to join the tour and gain valuable experience.

“Both played really well in the Australia A game last month and performed well in our recent camps.”

Yapp has made one change to the starting side that defeated the Welsh as Cecilia Smith starts at inside centre.

Faitala Moleka retains her spot at flyhalf after her player of the match performance, with Arabella McKenzie still dealing with concussion symptoms.

Prop Allana Sikimeti comes onto the bench for her first appearance of WXV 2. Sikimeti debuted off the bench against Fiji in July, with Wood and Pomare the only other changes to the reserves.

It is the first time Australia will face South Africa since the 2014 World Cup.

Both teams are coming off strong victories to open the competition, with the hosts taking down Japan to start their campaign.

“Last week’s win was a good start to the tournament and it’s important we grow from here and put in another strong performance,” Yapp added

“We were happy with parts of our game but know there’s room for improvement in other areas and South Africa will present a big challenge on home turf."

WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO FACE SOUTH AFRICA

1. Bridie O'Gorman (#180 - Sydney University) – 25 caps

2. Tania Naden (#197 - Uni-North Owls) – 17 caps

3. Eva Karpani (#171 - Onkaparinga) – 29 caps

4. Kaitlan Leaney (#179 - CSU Marlins) – 23 caps

5. Michaela Leonard (c) (#168 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 30 caps

6. Siokapesi Palu (#194 - Rockdale Rangers) – 14 caps

7. Ashley Marsters (#117 - Booroondarra) – 32 caps

8. Tabua Tuinakauvadra (#200 - Tuggeranong Vikings) – 9 caps

9. Layne Morgan (#188 - Merewether Carlton) – 27 caps

10. Faitala Moleka (#199 - Blacktown Scorpions) – 13 caps

11. Desiree Miller (#204 - Eastern Suburbs) – 10 caps