Overview
- Australia named its first team of 2026 for Friday’s Test at Canberra’s GIO Stadium, listing six players in line for first caps in a double-header with Brumbies versus Waratahs.
- Sevens speedster Sidney Taylor was picked to start at outside centre on debut, with Nicole Ledington at fly-half and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce on the wing also named to start.
- Hooker Brittany Merlo, forward Lily Bone and sevens flyer Piper Simons were selected as potential debutants on the bench.
- Siokapesi Palu Sekona continues as captain under interim coach Sam Needs, who said the 12-day camp led to tough calls and a clear push to blood new talent.
- The Fiji clash opens a 2026 slate of about 10 Tests that includes the Pacific Four Series, the O’Reilly Cup against New Zealand and the new WXV Global Series.