Wallaroos v France, women’s rugby world cup, Australia sticking for consistency

WALLAROOS coach Paul Verrell has made only three changes to his match-day 23 ahead of the side’s second pool game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against France on Monday morning.

Australia's Sharni Williams and Ireland's Jenny Murphy challenge, during the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup, Pool C match between Ireland and Australia, at the UCD Bowl, in Dublin, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017. (Brian Lawless/PA via AP)

WALLAROOS coach Paul Verrell has made only three changes to his match-day 23 ahead of the side’s second pool game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against France on Monday morning.

Verrell has made just one change to the starting XV as Sarah Riordan comes in to the centres alongside Sharni Williams with Kayla Sauavo dropping to the bench.

The Wallaroos opened their campaign last Thursday with a narrow 19-17 loss to Ireland and Verrell said he was looking to build combinations on the back of their strong performance.

“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,” he 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.

Cheyenne Campbell is tackled during the opening pool game against Ireland. Pic: David Rogers/Getty Images

“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, while also looking to grow and develop as a collective unit.”

Two changes have been made to the bench, with ACT front-rower Louise Burrows selected after being called into the side as injury cover for Evelyn Horomia, who was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with a calf-injury.

While 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.

Second rower Chloe Butler. Pic: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

The Wallaroos play France on Monday at 4.45am. 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