Harvey Norman Australian Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has named her team to take on the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns in the Women’s Pacific Cup Final at CommBank Stadium on Sunday (1:35pm AEDT kick off).
Tamika Upton returns at fullback after overcoming a minor calf strain, taking over from Abbi Church who made a strong impression on debut at Eden Park last Sunday.
In two further changes to the starting side after last week’s 10-4 victory over the Kiwi Ferns, Olivia Higgins comes in at hooker to replace the injured Keeley Davis (shoulder) and Cowboys NRLW flyer Jakiya Whitfeld earns a place on the wing for the decider.
Harvey Norman Jillaroos Coach Jess Skinner said the team was looking to improve on a gritty performance at Eden Park when the rival nations square off again on home soil this Sunday.
“We knew last week in Auckland was going to be a step up and there were a lot of positives in coming away with a win in a tight contest, but we know we have to be better in all facets of the game to come out on top again in the Final.
“We are excited for the challenge of playing for a major trophy in front of our home fans, it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere, and we want to make Australia proud with our performance on Sunday.”
The squad for Sunday’s Pacific Cup Final is as follows:
- Tamika Upton
- Julia Robinson
- Isabelle Kelly
- Tiana Penitani Gray
- Jakiya Whitfeld
- Ali Brigginshaw (c)
- Jesse Southwell
- Ellie Johnston
- Olivia Higgins
- Jessika Elliston
- Kezie Apps (c)
- Yasmin Clydsdale
- Olivia Kernick
- Quincy Dodd
- Keilee Joseph
- Jessica Sergis
- Rima Butler
- Sarah Togatuki
- Abbi Church
- Jocelyn Kelleher
