Wallaroos centre Sarah Riordan returns from injury v Black Ferns

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CENTRE Sarah Riordan’s return from injury is the only change to the Wallaroos as they attempt to improve on their heartening effort against world champions New Zealand.

Riordan missed the 31-11 first Test loss in Sydney after suffering an ankle injury at training but was named on Thursday for Saturday’s return Test at Eden Park in Auckland.

Coach Dwayne Nestor wasn’t tempted to make other changes after the Wallaroos showed the benefits of increased backing for women’s rugby in Australia with a competitive showing at ANZ Stadium last weekend.

“We’re really looking forward to this second Test and we know that the Black Ferns are going to lift at home,” Nestor said.

“We had a good review of the opportunities we didn’t take out there last week and we know we can improve on our performance.

“Sarah’s return from injury has been well received by the squad, she’s a popular, talented player and will combine well with Atasi Lafai and Samantha Treherne.”

The Black Ferns have named an unchanged team as they aim to extend a 16 match winning streak against Australia, who have never beaten their trans-Tasman rivals.

New Zealand coach Glenn Moore has named an unchanged side although impressive tighthead prop Aldora Itunu has been bracketed with Leilani Perese after sustaining a minor injury in Sydney.

“In Sydney we adjusted our game plan when Australia started shutting down our outside backs,” Moore said.

“Our forwards really stepped up and helped us get the points.

“It showed we have the ability to be nimble but we’ve talked about the fact we created opportunities, and didn’t always finish them.

“This weekend is our chance to apply some polish and convert those opportunities into points.

“He said there had been a few nerves going in to the Sydney match but they were now gone with a Test under the belt.

“This week I’m expecting everyone will improve even more and I’m looking forward to seeing what the team can deliver.”

WALLAROOS (15-1): Mahalia Murphy, Mhicca Carter, Atasi Lafai, Sarah Riordan, Samantha Treherne, Trilleen Pomare, Cobie-Jane Morgan, Grace Hamilton, Georgia O’Neill, Emily Chancellor, Rebecca Clough, Michelle Milward, Evelyn Horomia, Liz Patu (c), Emily Robinson

Reserves: Darryl Wickliffe, Melissa Fatu, Hana Ngaha, Alisha Hewett, Kiri Lingman, Fenella Hake, Crystal Maguire, Shanice Parker

BLACK FERNS (15-1): Selica Winiata, Renee Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Alena Saili, Ruahei Demant, Kendra Cocksedge, Aroha Savage, Les Elder, Charmaine McMenamin, Charmaine Smith, Eloise Blackwell, Aldora Itunu/Leilani Perese, Fiao’o Faamausili (c), Phillipa Love

Reserves: Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Cristo Tofa, Perese/Aleisha Nelson, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Linda Itunu, Kristina Sue, Krysten Cottrell, Chelsea Alley