Navy veteran Lydia Kavoa has been picked to make her Wallaroos debut as one of four uncapped players in the 23 to play Fiji in Sydney on Saturday.
Kavoa, 30, has been named on Australia’s bench for her first Test after more than a decade of service in the navy.
The Brumbies backrower started playing rugby in 2016 after a conversation with a personal trainer during a ship versus ship volleyball competition.
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Lydia Kavoa signs autographs during a Rugby Australia engagement day at Boronia Park. Getty
She holds the navy rank of ‘leading seaman.’
“We work for an organisation that goes away a lot, so next time I go to sea, that’s me for the next two years,” Kavoa told the Australian Defence Force website last year.
“I want to get this (rugby journey) out of my system and I’m grateful I’m in a service that can let me do that.”
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Lydia Kavoa of the Brumbies is tackled at Suncorp Stadium. Getty
The other new faces are Biola Dawa, Allana Sikimeti and Natalie Wright while Maya Stewart and Ashley Marsters were unavailable due to injury.
Jo Yapp is still searching for her first win as Wallaroos coach, following losses to Canada and the United States in May.
“It’s been nice to be back in Sydney and the players are working hard to put in a good performance against Fiji on Saturday,” Yapp said.
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“Our team has been building well and we are looking forward to seeing how they go.”
The Test, which kicks off at 4.45pm AEST, is the first of a double header with the Wallabies-Wales clash to follow at Allianz Stadium.
The Wallaroos beat Fiji 22-5 at the same venue last year.
AUSTRALIA (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Tania Naden, Eva Karpani, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (c), Atasi Lafai, Leilani Nathan, Piper Duck, Layne Morgan, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Cecilia Smith, Georgina Friedrichs, Biola Dawa, Lori Cramer
Reserves: Tiarna Molloy, Allana Sikimeti, Bridie O’Gorman, Siokapesi Palu, Lydia Kavoa, Natalie Wright, Trilleen Pomare, Faitala Moleka
FIJI (1-15): Tiana Robanakadavu, Keleni Marawa, Bitila Tawake, Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Nunia Daunimoala, Sulita Waisega, Karalaini Naisewa (c), Evivi Senikarivi, Jennifer Ravutia, Adita Milinia, Liti Lawedrau, Atelaite Buna, Merewairita Neivosa, Luisa Tisolo
Reserves: Litia Marama, Loraini Senivutu, Vika Matarugu, Doreen Narokete, Ema Adivitaloga, Setaita Railumu, Sala Kinita, Repeka Tove