Charlotte Caslick gets first Test start as Kiwis counter with teen star
Updated . First published at
Sevens queen Charlotte Caslick will make her first Wallaroos start against world champions New Zealand in Newcastle on Saturday.
Caslick made her Test debut off the bench in last weekend's 43-7 rout of Fiji in Suva.
But a knee injury to prolific winger Maya Stewart has allowed Caslick to claim the gold No.14 jersey for the Pacific Four Series opener.
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Charlotte Caslick of Australia runs with the ball. Getty
Fullback Caitlyn Halse and centre Bienne Terita are also out with hamstring injuries and Faitala Moleka and Georgina Friedrichs will start in their places.
Stewart underwent knee surgery on Wednesday but is expected to return to the field again this year while Terita has also been ruled out of the Pacific Four Series.
Another sevens convert, Tia Hinds, will wear the No.10 jersey while lock Kaitlan Leaney and prop Bridie O'Gorman return after being rested last week.
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The Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns.
"It's been a busy week but we are pleased with how the players have handled the travel from Fiji to Newcastle and we're looking forward to playing on home soil for the first time," Australia coach Jo Yapp said.
"We were really upset for BB (Terita) with the injury because she was really embracing the 15s, but it's looking really positive for her to make a return before (the World Cup)," Yapp said.
"But really impressed with how both Charlotte and Tia have taken this opportunity and how hard they're working for the squad and doing all their due diligence and their homework. It has been really impressive."
"Due to our injuries this has opened the door to look at other combinations as we look to grow and develop leading into the World Cup. We know New Zealand will be a step up and we'll need to be at our best on Saturday."
Yapp also revealed that the Levi sisters, Bella Nasser, Kahli Henwood and Sariah Paki had elected to take a break after the sevens season while Demi Hayes is also out after a knee injury.
Maddison Levi of Australia breaks away from Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe of Ireland. Getty
"The other players that had initially made themselves available for 15s that went to LA have returned and now made themselves unavailable for the 15s," Yapp said.
"They're taking that time. It's obviously been a long season for them. They want to prioritise their rest and recovery, which we absolutely respect. So they won't be available moving forward."
Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee will start at fullback in her New Zealand debut, while prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu makes a return off the bench in her first Test since the Rugby World Cup in 2022.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee of the Blues charges towards the line to score her second try. Getty
"We're super excited for Braxton and we are looking forward to seeing her in the black jersey, it's going to be a proud moment for her and her whanau," Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said.
"She's an instinctive player, young, really brave and solid in defence.
"Selections have been awarded on consistent form. I've also been really impressed with the attitude within our group."
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Sorensen-McGee, 18, turned down the Warriors women's team to commit to a rugby career and starred for the Blues in Super Rugby.
She has league in her blood via Kiwis legends Kurt and Dane Sorensen.
"She's authentic in herself. She's the smallest person on the field with big shoulders. She's very brave, which is a great quality to have in a fullback," Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant said.
