Wallaroos name teenage sensation Waiaria Ellis to debut against Black Ferns as World Cup looms

• 17-year-old continues meteoric rise after first playing in 2022

• Australia play New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday

A big-stepping 17-year-old former gymnast has been drafted into Australia's women's rugby team, as the Wallaroos hope to end a 28-match losing streak against New Zealand as part of preparations for next month's World Cup.

Waiaria Ellis – at 17 years and 305 days – will become the second youngest Australian player when she takes the field against the Black Ferns in Wellington on Saturday.