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WALLAROOS head coach Paul Verrell has made only three changes, including Vincentia’s Ashleigh Hewson, to his match-day 23 ahead of the side’s second pool game of the 2017 Rugby World Cup against France this Sunday (4.45am AEST Monday), at University College Dublin (UCD) Bowl.
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After the Wallaroos’ narrow 19-17 loss to Ireland in their opening match, Verrell has opted for consistency, only making the one change to the starting XV.
Australian Defence Force centre Sarah Riordan has been named to start in the centres alongside Sharni Williams, with Kayla Sauavo moving to the reserves.
A further two changes have been made to the bench, with ACT frontrower Louise Burrows selected after being called into the side as injury cover for Evelyn Horomia, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a calf-injury.
Western Australia’s Ashleigh Timoko has also been brought into the reserves in place of Ashleigh Hewson, who was ruled out through a minor injury.
“We were really pleased with the way the team performed in their match against Ireland after we made nine changes from the final Test of the New Zealand Tour, and it’s important now that we look to build combinations within the team,” Head coach Paul Verrell said.
“Our forwards competed well against an experienced Irish pack and they’ll face a similar challenge this Sunday against the French.
“Our backline showed they can be very dangerous with the ball in hand, but we need them to continue to build as we lead into the match against the French.
“The addition of Sarah Riordan will provide us with another strong ball running option in the midfield.
“The team proved to themselves what they’re capable of in that match against the Irish and now we need them to continue to perform at that level, whilst also looking to grow and develop as a collective unit.”
The Wallaroos will play France on Sunday evening at UCD bowl in Dublin, kick-off at 7:45pm local time (4:45am, Monday, August 14 AEST).
The match will be broadcast live via FOX SPORTS.
Wallaroos side to face France:
1. Liz Patu – Queensland, Wests
2. Cheyenne Campbell – Queensland, Redlands
3. Hilisha Samoa – Queensland, Brothers
4. Chloe Butler – South Australia, Parramatta
5. Millie Boyle – ACT, Canberra Royals
6. Mollie Gray – Australian Defence Force (ADRFU), NSW, Maitland
7. Shannon Parry – Australian Sevens, Queensland, Redlands
8. Grace Hamilton – Sydney, Sydney University
9. Katrina Barker – NSW Country, Newcastle University
10. Trilleen Pomare – Western Australia, Wanneroo
11. Mahalia Murphy – Australian Sevens, NSW, Campbell Town
12. Sharni Williams – Australian Sevens, ACT, Canberra Royals
13. Sarah Riordan – Australian Defence Force (ADRFU), Victoria, Melbourne
14. Nareta Marsters – Queensland, Sunnybank
15. Samantha Treherne – Queensland, Sunnybank
Reserves
16. Louise Burrows – ACT, Royals
17. Emily Robinson – Sydney, Warringah
18. Hana Ngaha – Queensland, Sunnybank
19. Rebecca Clough – Western Australia, Cottesloe
20. Alisha Hewett – Australian Defence Force (ADRFU), Queensland, GPS
21. Fenella Hake – Queensland, Redlands
22. Kayla Sauvao – Sydney, Parramatta
23. Ashleigh Timoko – Western Australia, Wanneroo