The Wallaroos are confident that Maddison Levi is ready to tackle New Zealand’s mighty Black Ferns after the sevens superstar was named to make her Test debut in Auckland on Saturday.

Levi had hoped to play at the 2025 Rugby World Cup but withdrew from selection after fears that she was being set up to fail without adequate preparation.

Now 24 and already Australia’s all-time leading sevens try-scorer, Levi has been named on the bench for the Wallaroos’ 100th Test against all nations.

“First and foremost, Maddi’s just a really natural footballer,” assistant coach Mike Ruthven said.

“I think we’ve done a really good job this week to create a space and create an environment where she feels really comfortable to be herself.

“On top of that, she’s a really intelligent footballer. She’s picked things up really quickly. She’s been really confident in her communication. So yeah, absolutely no doubt that Maddi’s ready for this challenge.”

Australia has not beaten New Zealand in a women’s Test in 30 attempts.

But Wallaroos No.8 Piper Duck was bullish about the impact Levi’s inclusion could have on her team’s chances of making history.

“It’s not a matter of whether she’s ready,” Duck said.

“Is New Zealand ready for her when she comes out into those Wallaroos colours? I think Maddi is more than ready to be taking the field on Saturday.

“She is such an incredible athlete. She’s putting everything into this camp in learning and educating herself with the game of 15s but with the kind of style she plays, the way she carries the ball, the way she moves in that defensive line and puts pressure, she’s going to add such value to us.”

Teenage Wallaroos playmaker Waiaria Ellis also said Levi’s swagger had rubbed off on her new teammates.

“She’s a world-class athlete and the ‘GOAT’ at sevens at the moment,” Ellis said.

“She brings so much knowledge to the game. Fifteens and sevens are different games, but rugby is rugby, and she has so much confidence and clarity.

“She’s asked questions when she’s needed to ask questions, and just having her there and knowing that I’m going to be her teammate, but also her 10… it’s pretty crazy, and it’s amazing.”

Loose forward Pia Tapsell is also in line to make history by becoming the first player to represent the Black Ferns and Wallaroos.

Melbourne-born Tapsell played six Tests for New Zealand in 2019-20 before moving to Perth in 2024.

The 28-year-old has been named on the bench by new Wallaroos coach Tim Walsh.

Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Whitney Hansen – daughter of ex-All Blacks boss Steve – has named the uncapped Amarante Sititi on her bench.

Sititi, 19, is the sister of All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi.

Amarante Sititi of the Black Ferns. Getty Images

“Amarante is a phenomenal talent with the versatility to play both lock and loose forward as she continues to develop. She’s powerful in collisions and is building a deeper understanding of her role within the team,” Hansen said.

Black Ferns (15-1): Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Mererangi Paul, Amy Du Plessis, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruahei Demant (c), Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko

Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Maddison Robinson, Santo Taumata, Amarante Sititi, Mia Anderson, Ariana Bayler, Hannah King, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a

Wallaroos (15-1): Faitala Moleka, Maya Stewart, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Cecilia Smith, Desiree Miller, Waiaria Ellis, Tia Hinds, Piper Duck, Lily Bone, Siokapesi Palu Sekona (c), Michaela Leonard, Kaitlan Leaney, Eva Karpani, Tania Naden, Brianna Hoy

Reserves: Brittany Merlo, Allana Sikimeti, Bridie O’Gorman, Pia Tapsell, Emily Chancellor, Samantha Wood, Bienne Terita, Maddison Levi