The Wallaroos have suffered a major blow on the eve of their crucial Rugby World Cup clash against Wales with starting lock Atasi Lafai ruled out with an ankle injury.
Lafai hurt her ankle at training and Grace Kemp will come into the second row in Whangarei on Saturday as Australia looks to book a quarterfinal berth.
Kaitlan Leaney has been added to the bench for her World Cup debut.
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Victory in the final pool game would guarantee Australia’s progression to the knockout stages while a loss would leave them reliant on other results.
The Wallaroos were already without hooker Ashley Masters, who was suspended after being sent off for a dangerous tackle in the thrilling win against Scotland.
“There’s a lot on the line this weekend and it is whatever it takes,” Wallaroos captain Shannon Parry said.
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“For us we’ve prepared really well and there’s no bigger occasion to get up for at a Rugby World Cup. The squad’s in really good shape and we’re really looking forward to the contest on Saturday.
“We all know what’s on the line. There’s no hiding away from that and the only pressure we have is the pressure we put on ourselves and we’re going to embrace it. We’re really looking forward to that challenge…
“Something that we need to tighten up is our discipline and not enabling Wales to piggy back themselves down the field.”
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