Eva Karpani becomes only the second Wallaroo to reach 50 Test caps against Scotland

Eva Karpani will become only the second Wallaroo in history to earn 50 Test caps when she comes off the bench against Scotland at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Friday night, joining Michaela Leonard — who reached the milestone against the same opposition in Edinburgh last month.

The 30-year-old loosehead prop made her Wallaroos debut against Japan seven years ago and has since scored 16 tries for her country, placing her third on Australia’s all-time try-scorers list behind Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart.

“It’s pretty surreal, and I’m completely honoured but also very excited to have another opportunity to put this jersey on,” Karpani said. “When I debuted, it was my first year as a tighthead prop, so little Eva would be so proud. I’ve come a long way.”

Karpani first emerged at Uni 7s nine years ago alongside Charlotte Caslick and Emma Verran before transitioning into a specialist front-row role. She has since become one of the most capped players in the programme’s history.

Friday’s match also gives the Wallaroos the chance to complete a WXV Global Series clean sweep over Scotland. Australia won 30-10 in Edinburgh before following up with a commanding 56-12 victory in Sydney last weekend.

An injury to Miller rules her out of the Canberra fixture, with Faitala Moleka moving into the back three alongside Stewart and Amelia Whitaker. Allana Sikimeti, Tania Naden and Faliki Pohiva form the front row, with Kaitlan Leaney and Tiarah Minns in the second row and Emily Chancellor starting in the back row in what will be her final Test appearance. Cecilia Smith will also make her final international appearance at centre alongside Georgina Friedrichs.

For Karpani, the occasion carries meaning beyond the personal milestone. Having grown up in South Australia — a state where AFL and netball dominate — she is determined to use her platform to inspire the next generation.

“I take so much pride and I hope it continues to inspire the next generation, especially young girls and boys from South Australia,” she said. “My biggest advice is trust yourself before anyone else — and also dreams do come true. Playing for Australia is a pretty cool dream to have.”