Karpani set to earn 50th Wallaroos cap as Chancellor plays final Test against Scotland

Eva Karpani will become only the second active Wallaroo to reach 50 Test caps when Australia host Scotland in Canberra on Friday, joining lock Michaela Leonard in an exclusive club. The milestone arrives in the same match that Emily Chancellor, the former Wallaroos captain, will play her 42nd and final Test at openside flanker.

Karpani debuted in Wallaroos gold against Japan in 2019 and has been a matchday fixture ever since. The tighthead prop is the third-highest try-scorer in Wallaroos history, behind outside backs Deisree Miller and Maya Stewart, and will again provide impact from the bench in Canberra.

Australia head into the WXV Global Series finale on the back of consecutive wins, including a 30-19 victory in Edinburgh last month and a clinical 56-12 demolition of Scotland at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Saturday, where Amela Whitaker claimed Player of the Match honours. The Wallaroos are chasing a third straight win to close out their season.

Miller’s absence through a calf injury has forced a backline reshuffle. Faitala Moleka shifts from midfield to fullback, while 33-cap Cecilia Smith comes into the starting side at inside centre. Whitaker and Stewart retain their wing berths.

Chancellor joins captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona and Piper Duck in an experienced loose forwards trio. Samantha Wood and Waiaria Ellis will link up in the halves, with Smith and Georgina Friedrichs in the centres.

Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh acknowledged both milestones ahead of the fixture. “It’s a great achievement for Eva Karpani to reach 50 Tests and we want to make it a memorable one for her, Emily Chancellor and all other players and staff,” Walsh said. “Team performances have improved every Test during WXV and it’s important that we finish the season strongly before launching into our integrated women’s program and the 2027 season.”

Allana Sikimeti, Tania Naden and Faliki Pohiva form the starting front row, with Kaitlan Leaney and Queensland Reds lock Tiarah Minns in the second row. Brittany Merlo, Brianna Hoy and Karpani complete the replacements bench alongside Leonard.