Experienced trio Maya Stewart, Eva Karpani and Cecilia Smith return to the Wallaroos matchday 23 for their WXV Global Series clash with Scotland this weekend.
Stewart will start the wing after overcoming an Achilles injury with Karpani and Smith joining Allana Sikimeti and Piper Simons as new faces on the Australia bench from the group that beat Scotland 30-10 in Edinburgh three weeks ago.
The WXV Global Series Test on Saturday at the Accor Stadium (2am UK time, live on RugbyPass TV) will kick off a quadruple header on the day and will be followed by a men’s sevens match between Australia and Fiji, a women’s sevens match between Australia and New Zealand and then the Wallabies against the All Blacks in the second men’s Bledisloe Cup Test of 2026.
Desiree Miller will start at full-back with Caitlyn Halse ruled out with concussion symptoms.
Miller’s move to full-back shifts Amelia Whitaker to the left edge while captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona and Pia Tapsell switch roles in the back-row, the former now at six and the latter at No.8.
Among the subs, Karpani is closing in on 50 Test matches for the Wallaroos and is in line to play her 49th international in Sydney.
Australia’s director of women’s high performance Tim Walsh said: “We have maintained considerable selection consistency throughout the WXV period, strategically strengthening our cohesion and combinations.
“During WXV we have layered specific areas of our game to build stronger performances each Test.
“We have selected a balanced 23 armed with leadership, power, strength and speed for this game.”
Scotland’s away WXV Global Series fixtures take place against Australia on October 17 and October 23.
Maya Stewart is pictured – thanks to the Wallaroos
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