New blood will be the order of affairs across the opening round this weekend, with a combined 25 players across all four teams making their first start for their respective clubs – and starts with a grand final rematch between the Waratahs and the Drua to kick off the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season.
No Aussie Sevens stars have been unveiled in the starting sides this week, with even the Reds opting to leave many of their stars on the sidelines in their development game with Penina Pasifika.
See all the team news as it’s revealed below.
(All times are in AEDT)
Friday
NSW Waratahs v Fijian Drua, 5:05 pm
Defending champions the Waratahs will see three debutants in their starting side, with a new scrumhalf, hooker and winger in Tiarne Cavanagh, Millie Parker and Amelia Whitaker, respectively.
However, despite this, coach Michael Ruthven is not leaving the side fully up to the next generation, wisely including a strong front pack and second row, with Emily Chancellor named as captain and plenty of Wallaroo experience in the backline, including Georgina Friedrichs and Maya Stewart.
The Drua have opted for six potential debutants, with three on the starting side and three on the bench.
Former Sevens star Alowesi Nakoci will make her debut on the wing, while Josivini Naihamu is set to light up the backline in the centres. She will be well supported by Vitalina Naikore, who returns from playing in the NRLW.
The Drua will also turn out an experienced front row, with valuable international Bitala Tawake on the bench.
WARATAHS (1-15): Emily Robinson, Millie Parker, Bridie O’Gorman, Kaitlan Leaney, Annabelle Codey, Ruby Anderson, Emily Chancellor (c), Leilani Nathan, Tiarne Cavanagh, Katrina Barker, Amelia Whitaker, Nicole Nathan, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Waiaria Ellis
Replacements: Adiana Talakai, Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Falika Pohiva, Jayjay Taylor, Anahera Hamahona, Tatum Bird, Jade Sheridan, Jacinta Windsor
DRUA (1-15): Salaniete Nabuli, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu (c), Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Salaseini Railumu, Karalaini Naisewa, Kolora Lomani, Salanieta Kinita, Alowesi Nakoci, Josivini Naihamu, Vitalina Naikore, Repeka Tova, Luisa Tisolo
Replacements: Isabella Koi, Loraini Senivutu, Anasimeci Korovata, Ema Adivitaloga, Bitila Tawake, Evivi Senikarivi, Litiana Vueti, Merewairita Neivosa
Trilleen Pomare. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Saturday
Western Force v ACT Brumbies, 5:05 pm
The cavalry has arrived for the Western Force, with ten players set to make their debut in front of the Sea of Blue – but despite the large contingent, the Force contains many internationally capped stars.
These include Wallaroos Allana Sikimeti, Sera Naiqama, Ashley Marsters and Cecilia Smith, while the Fijian Sevens recruit Adi Vani Buleki starting on the wing.
The Brumbies, meanwhile, will unveil six new faces, with Ella Ryan set to partner with Wallaroo Faitala Moleka in the halves – while Faitala’s sister Manua will be one of three to debut off the bench.
Charlie Brigstocke and Merania Paraone complete the new starting faces in the backline, with Brumbies coach Andy Friend wisely choosing to stick with their most experienced front row, with hopes of delivering a win in the West.
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FORCE (1-15): Allana Sikimeti, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Braxton Walker, Sera Naiqama, Michaela Leonard, Tamika Jones, Anneka Stephens, Ashley Marsters, Georgia Cormick, Grace Freeman, Brooklyn Teki Joyce, Trilleen Pomare (c), Cecilia Smith, Adi Vani Buleki, Sheree Hume
Replacements: Loretta Mailangi, Megumi Takagi, Alapeta Ngauamo, Libya Teepa, Pia Tapsell, Ana Afuie, Nicole Ledington, Sammy Treherne
BRUMBIES (1-15): Lydia Kavoa, Tania Naden, Iroha Kishimoto, Ashley Fernandez, Easter Savelio, Siokapesi Palu (c), Chioma Enyi, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ella Ryan, Faitala Moleka, Charlie Brigstocke, Merania Paraone, Harmony Ioane, Biola Dawa, Kyah Little
Replacements: Katalina Amosa, Martha Fua, Hannah Stewart, Lily Bone, Jess Grant, Bonnie Brewer, Manua Moleka, Gabrielle Petersen
Development Game (Saturday)
Queensland Reds v Penina Pasifika, 3:05 pm
REDS (1-15): Bree-Anna Browne, Cristo Taufua, Jiowana Sauto, Tiarah Minns, Deni Ross, Jemma Bemrose (cc), Carola Kreis, Zoe Hanna, Layne Morgan, Carys Dallinger, Ivania Wong (cc), Ariana Hira, Mel Wilks, Piper Flynn, Lori Cramer
Reserves: Tiarna Molloy, Sky-Yvette Faimalie, Charli Jacoby, Vineta Teutau, Dillyn Blackburn, Sarah Riordan, Maraea Tupai, Sarah Dougherty, Faythe Manera, Michelle Curry, Renae Nona
