Overview
- Interim coach Sam Needs named the matchday 23 to face the USA in Kansas City, with uncapped Dillyn Blackburn, Ella Ryan and Ava Wereta on the bench and praised for their competitive edge.
- Tania Naden returns from a knee injury to start at hooker, restoring experience to the Wallaroos’ front row.
- Michaela Leonard is on the bench and could equal the Wallaroos’ all-time appearance record at 45 caps if she takes the field.
- After conceding 19 penalties and two yellow cards in the shutout loss to Canada, the Wallaroos have made discipline a key focus in training.
- Recent clashes with the USA have been tight, including a 31-31 draw at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, setting expectations for another close contest.