Caroline Vakalahi is set to make her debut while Shannon Parry will earn her first cap at flanker with versatile backrower Alexandra Hargreaves slotting in at the back of the scrum at No.8.
Ili Batibasaga has somewhat surprisingly been named at scrum half in the place of Sevens World Cup-winning captain Cheryl Soon. The vastly experienced Tui Ormsby moves into fly half.
“Ili (Batibasaga) has earned first shot at scrumhalf against Wales with Cheryl coming off the bench and we’ll assess it from there,” explained Wallaroos coach John Manenti.
“We’re very pleased with our preparation but we don’t know much about Wales. Traditionally they’re a passionate side and we’re expecting them to be very physical.”
Wallaroos captain Chris Ross is in an optimistic mood as they eagerly await their opening stanza against Jason Lewis’s Welsh side in a game which is being broadcast live by Sky.
“We had our first real training session yesterday and we were all itching to get into it, things are really starting to come together well. The set piece is looking terrific, we’ve got a strong core group of girls that have been around since the last World Cup and we’ve been able to build on our combinations.
“We’re expecting Wales to be a tough opponent, we’re at the World Cup, each country will be fighting for that victory tooth and nail.
Australia team to play Wales on Friday:
1. Caroline Vakalahi
2. Silei Poluleuligaga
3. Lindsay Morgan
4. Chris Ross (C)
5. Kate Porter
6. Rebecca Trethowan
7. Shannon Parry
8. Alex Hargreaves
9. Ili Batibasaga
10. Tiu Ormsby
11. Nicole Beck
12. Cobie-Jane Morgan
13. Sharni Williams
14. Kristy Giteau
15. Tricia Brown
Reserves
16. Danielle Meskell
17. Margaret Watson
18. Rebecca Clough
19. Debbie Hodgkinson
20. Cheryl Soon
21. Cheyenne Campbell
22. Tobie McGann
