Black Ferns team named for season opening Test against Australia
The Black Ferns team to open their 2016 international season against Australia has been named, as they prepare for a tantalising trans-Tasman battle ahead of the Bledisloe Cup Test match at Eden Park this Saturday.
The team is: (new caps denoted by *)
1. Pip Love
2. Fiao’o Fa’amausili (c)
3. Aleisha Nelson
4. Eloise Blackwell
5. Charmaine Smith
6. Rawinia Everitt
7. Sarah Goss
8. Aroha Savage
9. Kendra Cocksedge
10. Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali
11. Renee Wickliffe
12. Chelsea Alley
13. Portia Woodman
14. Honey Hireme
15. Selica Winiata
Reserves
16. Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate
17. Toka Natua (Aldora Itunu)
18. Aotearoa Mata’u*
19. Charlene Gubb
20. Charmaine McMenamin
21. Kristina Sue*
22. Kelly Brazier
23. Janna Vaughan
Head Coach Glenn Moore said: “The team we’ve selected brings a mix of experience, youth and debutants. The team’s come into camp determined to work hard and although they had only a short time to prepare they have quickly gelled as a unit.
Aldora Itunu has been bracketed alongside Toka Natua who will start at prop if Pip Love fails to come through a fitness test later this week.
“Trans-Tasman Test matches always bring an extra edge of competition and intensity. The Wallaroos are a bit of an unknown to us at this stage. What we do know is they will be just as determined as we are to get the win.”
Moore said the match in front of a home crowd would be extra special for the Black Ferns.
“We’re excited to play at Eden Park in front of family, friends and fans. It’s going to be a great night.”
Black Ferns 2016 Match Schedule
Home Series
Saturday, 22 October, 5.05pm
Black Ferns v Australian Wallaroos, Eden Park, Auckland
Wednesday, 26 October, 2.30pm
Black Ferns v Australian Wallaroos, QBE Stadium, North Shore
End of Year Tour
Saturday, 19 November (time TBC)
Black Ferns v England, The Stoop Twickenham, London
Wednesday, 23 November, (time TBC)
Black Ferns v Canada, Doonybrook Stadium, Dublin
Sunday, 27 November, (time TBC)
Black Ferns v Ireland, The Bowl, UND, Dublin
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