Queensland Reds winger Piper Flynn set for Wallaroos debut against 'complete' France

Queensland Reds winger Piper Flynn is set to earn her first Wallaroos cap after being named on the bench for Australia’s WXV Global Series fixture against France in Aix-en-Provence. She is one of four personnel changes to the matchday 23 as Australia look to bounce back from a defeat to world champions England.

Flynn joins Tiarah Minns, Ava Wereta, and reigning Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra in coming into the squad. Tuinakauvadra and Minns had missed most of the Super Rugby Women’s season through injury but are now fit to pull on the gold jersey, while Wereta returns to the fold having featured in the Pacific Four Series earlier this year.

Flynn’s call-up continues a run of first-cap opportunities in this campaign. Reds captain Jemma Bemrose and NSW Waratahs Player of the Year Amelia Whitaker both made their debuts last week, with Whitaker retained in the starting XV. Flynn will provide back-three cover from the bench.

Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh acknowledged the challenge France will pose. “France are a complete side, both physical, flamboyant and we’re not underestimating anything about what’s coming,” he said. Walsh also confirmed Flynn’s impending milestone, describing her as a “Reds speedster set to earn her first cap.”

Walsh struck an upbeat tone about the squad’s development despite the loss to England. “We know exactly where our strengths and weaknesses lie, and sharpening those areas week after week is exactly the kind of environment we thrive in,” he said. “It’s about winning the moments in front of us, building something bigger than ourselves, and loving the work it takes to get there.”

In the forwards, Allana Sikimeti, Brittany Merlo, and Faliki Pohiva form the front row, with Kaitlan Leaney and Michaela Leonard providing experience in the second row. Pia Tapsell starts at blindside flanker alongside Piper Duck at openside, with captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona at number eight.

In the backs, Samantha Wood partners Waiaria Ellis at half-back, with Faitala Moleka and Georgina Friedrichs in the centres. Desiree Miller and Whitaker start on the wings, and Caitlyn Halse wears the number 15 shirt.