Halse to make Australian Rugby history as Yapp names fullback for USA Test

Wed, May 15, 2024, 6:57 AM
Nathan Williamson

Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp has named teenage sensation Caitlyn Halse to debut against the USA in Friday’s second Pacific Four Test in Melbourne.

The 17-year-old Halse will line up at fullback against the Americans and break the record for the youngest-ever Australian to play Test internationals, male or female, at 17 years, 242 days when she takes the field on Friday.

Halse breaks the record set by Sharyn Williams, who debuted at 18 years, 44 days in the debut Test in 1994.

“It’s really exciting to be able to tell Caitlyn Halse she will be making her debut,” Yapp said.

“She has been excellent in the Super W and is a player of the future in this team.”

She will be joined by Waratahs teammates Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller on the wings.

Yapp has made one further change to the backline, with last week's debutant Samantha Wood starting for Layne Morgan.

Wood came off the bench in the defeat to Canada, adding an extra kicking option with Lori Cramer shifted to the reserves.

Wallaroos Player of the Year Eva Karpani also starts, swapping with Bridie O’Gorman in the front row.

The Wallaroos will be looking to secure their place in WXV 1 with a win over the Americans.

The two sides are split in the Pacific Four series, with the Australians producing a 58-17 win after going down 16-14 in 2022

“We’re looking for an improved performance against the USA and have made a few changes that we believe can help us win,” Yapp added.

“The team knows where to improve following the loss to Canada and we’re looking forward to playing at AAMI Park in Melbourne for the first time in our history.”

WALLAROOS TEAM LIST TO PLAY THE USA

1. Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs) – 4 caps
2. Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies) – 11 caps
3. Eva Karpani (NSW Waratahs) – 22 caps
4. Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs) – 16 caps
5. Michaela Leonard (c) (Western Force) – 23 caps
6. Siokapesi Palu (ACT Brumbies) – 7 caps
7. Ashley Marsters (Melbourne Rebels) – 27 caps
8. Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs) – 11 caps
9. Samantha Wood (Western Force) – 1 cap
10. Arabella McKenzie (NSW Waratahs) – 22 caps
11. Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs) – 3 caps
12. Trilleen Pomare (Western Force) – 25 caps
13. Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs) – 20 caps
14. Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs) – 9 caps
15. Caitlyn Halse* (NSW Waratahs) – debut

16. Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke (Western Force) – 1 cap
17. Sally Fuesaina (ACT Brumbies) – 1 cap
18. Bridie O'Gorman (NSW Waratahs) – 18 caps
19. Atasi Lafai (NSW Waratahs) – 10 caps
20. Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs) – 3 caps
21. Layne Morgan (NSW Waratahs) – 20 caps
22. Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies) – 7 caps
23. Lori Cramer (Queensland Reds) – 20 caps

*Denotes debut