The Auckland Storm team to face the Australian Wallaroo’s has been named.

With six players unavailable through Black Ferns commitments, and several injuries, coach Dean Bickerton has named a squad with a distinct mix of youth and experience.

The experience comes in the form of Emma Jensen, who will captain the side, along with front rowers Karina Stowers and Doris Taufataeu.

Rayleen Desmond will make her Storm debut at openside flanker, while several players are set to debut off the bench. 

Impressive performances in the Auckland Under 18 West team has seen Kelston Girls’ College’s Joeannah Purcell bought onto the bench, while wingers Lose Mafi and Delzea Salamo-Tu’ua are also still at school.

Bickerton said the group is looking forward to the international fixture.

“They’re all excited. Training has gone well and the newer players have really taken on board what we are doing. They have brought a lot of enthusiasm to the group.”

“We know we’ll be able to take a lot out of this match, it’s an opportunity for players that have been on the fringes to step up.”

The match kicks off at 3pm at Bell Park, Pakuranga

1.    Aimee Lenssen
2.    Karina Stowers
3.    Doris Taufateau
4.    Noramoon Baltruweit
5.    Rebecca Burch
6.    Charlotte Scanlan
7.    Raeleen Desmond
8.  Shannon Willoughby
9.    Emma Jensen
10.  Kiritapu Demant
11.  Lose Mafi
12.  Onjeurlina Leiataua
13.  Teuila Fotu-Moala
14.  Delzea Salamo-Tu’ua
15.  Hasting Leiataua

Reserves:

16.  Manaia Fotu
17.  Olivia Ward-Dunn
18.  Alaiumu Sao-Taliu
19   Lydia Crossman
20.  Jacqui Aiono
21.  Joeannah Purcell
22.  Natasha Davie