Star winger Desiree Miller has been passed fit to start Australia's win-or-bust Rugby World Cup group clash against the USA as the Wallaroos make four changes for the key contest.
Coach Jo Yapp has brought in the experienced Tania Naden as hooker and promoted prop Bridie O'Gorman from the bench in a new-look front row to face what shapes as a huge physical battle against the Eagles in York on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
She's also drafted in prop Lydia Kavoa, lock Annabelle Codey and flyhallf Trilleen Pomare to join the replacements as she shakes up the 23 that overpowered Samoa 73-0 last week.
Australia have been buoyed by the news that potent wing weapon Miller, a hat-trick scorer against Samoa, has been deemed fit to play after being downed by a dangerous head-to-head hit near the end of last Saturday's game.
The 23-year-old speedster promises to be a key figure as victory at the York Community Stadium would effectively seal the Wallaroos' quarter-final place, while defeat will just as assuredly end their challenge, with only the hosts and big tournament favourites England then left to face.
The 25-time capped Naden replaces Katalina Amosa, who moves to the bench alongside Eva Karpani, who makes way for another equally seasoned tighthead O'Gorman, a winner of 34 caps.
Pomare, at 32, is set to play in a third World Cup if she gets the call from the bench, but there's disappointment for Lori Cramer, who is dropped from the 23 and won't now be able to face her partner Charli Jacoby, who'll be in the USA team.
Adiana Talakai, who made a big impact against Samoa with her two late tries, could also feel hard done by as she's axed from the 23 too.
Kavoa comes in for Brianna Hoy while Codey replaces Ashley Fernandez.
"Overall we were pleased with our performance against Samoa last week but in the context of our campaign, we know the match coming up is a big one for us," said Yapp, who's looking for her side to repeat their 27-19 win over the US in Canberra in May.
"The USA will be physical and we'll need to match that. We have been happy with how we've trained this week and we are excited for the challenge."
WALLAROOS TEAM TO PLAY USA
1 Faliki Pohiva, 2 Tania Naden, 3 Bridie O'Gorman, 4 Kaitlan Leaney (co-capt), 5 Michaela Leonard, 6 Piper Duck, 7 Emily Chancellor (co-capt), 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra; 9 Samantha Wood, 10 Faitala Moleka, 11 Desiree Miller, 12 Cecilia Smith, 13 Georgina Friedrichs, 14 Maya Stewart, 15 Caitlyn Halse
Replacements: 16 Katalina Amosa, 17 Lydia Kavoa, 18 Asoiva Karpani, 19 Annabelle Codey, 20 Ashley Marsters, 21 Layne Morgan, 22 Trilleen Pomare, 23 Tia Hinds
