News & Features International Scotland Women

Scouting the Wallaroos: Australia’s WXV Squad

22 Sep 2026

As Scotland take on the Wallaroos at Hive Stadium ahead of a two-game tour down under, take a look at the tactical makeup of Australia Women.

Scotland Women wrap up their Vodafone Scotland WXV Series on Saturday 26 September when they host Australia at Hive Stadium. Currently ranked one place below their opponents this weekend, the Wallaroos arrive in Edinburgh for the final stop of their northern hemisphere tour following high-intensity Test matches against England and France. With a dynamic 32-player squad that blends youth and seasoned international experience, Australia present a physical, high-tempo challenge for the home side before Scotland travel down south to complete a trilogy between the sides.

Tactical approach

The Australian national set-up has established a playing identity around high work-rates, direct running lines, and an aggressive contest at the breakdown. Aiming to exploit space out wide when the opportunity presents itself, Australia’s tactical framework relies on maintaining structural discipline before striking.

Their opening Test against world number one England showcased that philosophy in action, as Australia stunned the hosts to take a half-time lead through multiple strong goal-line defences and clinical execution. That performance was followed by a relentless, physical encounter against France in Marseille, proving that this squad can stay competitive in tough conditions away from home.

Key players for Australia

The squad showcases a side building towards a domestic World Cup in 2029. Key inclusions such as reigning Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra, veteran centre Georgina Friedrichs, and hard-carrying prop Faliki Pohiva provide crucial leadership, while emerging talents like Jemma Bemrose, Piper Flynn, and Amelia Whitaker add uncapped talent to the setup.

In the backline, fly-half Faitala Moleka and scrum-half Samantha Wood manage field position with sharp tactical kicking from hand. The outside channels are powered by explosive strike runners, with back three players Caitlyn Halse and Desiree Miller capable of turning broken play into immediate counter-attacking opportunities.