NSW Waratahs Women have named their side to take on the two-time defending champions Fijian Drua in Round 2 of the Buildcorp Super Rugby Women's competition this Saturday at 2:35 PM AEDT at Churchill Park.
NSW started off their season with an impressive 45-10 win over the ACT Brumbies and will look to continue that form when they take on Drua this weekend.
Head Coach Mike Ruthven has selected a strong matchday 23 which includes a returning Wallaroo in Kaitlan Leaney.
The front row remains unchanged with Emily Robinson, Brittany Merlo, and Bridie O'Gorman packing down to start the match.
Kaitlan Leaney will make her return for NSW after a stint in the UK with the Harlequins, and Atasi Lafai returns from injury to team up with her fellow Wallaroo in the second row.
Skye Churchill will move to openside flanker after Emily Chancellor was ruled out due to a knee injury. Blindside flanker Leilani Nathan will make her start her first game of the season after coming off the bench against the Brumbies last week.
Captain Piper Duck will remain at number eight after scoring a double in the victory over the Brumbies.
Ruthven's backline will remain the same with Layne Morgan and Arabella McKenzie in the halves and Katrina Barker and Georgina Friedrichs continuing their partnership in the centres.
Maya Stewart will be eager to continue her try-scoring ways after completing a hat-trick against the Brumbies, whilst her wing partner Desiree Miller will look to grab her first try of the season after going close on several occasions in Round 1. Caitlyn Halse retains the number 15 jersey after an impressive performance at fullback last week.
Ruthven will continue his bench split of 5-3, where Eva Karpani, Brianna Hoy, and Sera Naiqama will utilise their combined 47 caps of experience to make an impact from the bench in the second half.
Ruthven is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Fiji and is excited for Leaney's return.
"It will be a tough battle out there in Fiji," Ruthven said.
"They have been the benchmark for the last couple of years and I'm excited that we get to challenge them this early in the season.
"It's wonderful to have Kaitlan (Leaney) back, she brings a lot of experience and confidence to the group."
1. Loosehead Prop
2. Hooker
3. Tighthead Prop
4. Left Lock
5. Right Lock
6. Left Flanker
7. Right Flanker
8. Number 8
9. Scrumhalf
10. Flyhalf
11. Left Wing
12. Inside Centre
13. Outside Centre
14. Right Wing
15. Fullback
16. Reserve
17. Reserve
18. Reserve
19. Reserve
20. Reserve
21. Reserve
22. Reserve
23. Reserve
Emily Robinson (27 caps)
Brittany Merlo (4 caps)
Bridie O'Gorman (21 caps)
Kaitlan Leaney (10 caps)
Atasi Lafai (9 caps)
Leilani Nathan (7 caps)
Skye Churchill (3 caps)
Piper Duck © (16 caps)
Layne Morgan (19 caps)
Arabella McKenzie (16 caps)
Desiree Miller (7 caps)
Katrina Barker (25 caps)
Georgina Friedrichs (vc) (18 caps)
Maya Stewart (18 caps)
Caitlyn Halse (7 caps)
Siusiuosalafai Volkman (1 cap)
Brianna Hoy (9 caps)
Eva Karpani (18 caps)
Sera Naiqama (20)
Hollie Cameron (1 cap)
Tatum Bird (9 caps)
Waiaria Ellis (1 cap)
Jade Sheridan (5 caps)
Buildcorp Super Rugby Women's - Round 2: NSW Waratahs Women v Fijian Drua Women
Saturday 23 March at Churchill Park
Kick-off 2:35 PM AEDT
The match will be broadcast live and ad-free and Stan Sport.
