Black Ferns to play Ireland in final Test named
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The Black Ferns will look to make it three wins from three Tests on Monday morning (NZT) when they take on Ireland in Dublin.
Head Coach Glenn Moore named four changes to the team. Honey Hireme returns to the wing and Angie Sisifa starts at number eight.
Sosili Talawadua is set to make her debut and Jackie Fereti is also on the bench.
The team is (* denotes new cap):
| 1. | Toka Natu |
| 2. | Fiao’o Faamausili – captain |
| 3. | Aleisha Nelson (20th cap) |
| 4. | Eloise Blackwell |
| 5. | Charlene Gubb |
| 6. | Charmaine Smith |
| 7. | Charmaine McMenamin |
| 8. | Angie Sisifa |
| 9. | Kendra Cocksedge |
| 10. | Kelly Brazier |
| 11. | Renee Wickliffe |
| 12. | Chelsea Alley |
| 13. | Portia Woodman |
| 14. | Honey Hireme |
| 15. | Selica Winiata – vice captain |
| RESERVES | |
| 16. | Sosoli Talawadua* |
| 17. | Aldora Itunu |
| 18. | Aotearoa Mata’u |
| 19. | Jackie Fereti (nee Patea) |
| 20. | Sharnita Woodman |
| 21. | Kristina Sue |
| 22. | Hazel Tubic |
| 23. | Janna Vaughan |
| 24 | Kiritapu Demant |
Moore said the selection of Talawadua was due to her hard work throughout the Farah Palmer Cup, and the team was delighted with her inclusion.
“Sosoli was in the Black Ferns squad when it went away to Canada last year and didn’t get a chance to be included in the 23. She gets her first opportunity to get game time and the team is really excited for her and she’s excited as well.”
He said planning for the short turn around between matches involved introducing new players.
“The good part about these short turn arounds is those are the sort of scenarios we’ll be going into for the World Cup next year so it’s an opportunity for us to try things.
After two wins from two matches against England and Canada Moore said there was still room for improvement.
‘There’s a lot more in us yet. The good thing is we’ve come over here and we’ve had to win tough and hang tough and fight it right out to the finish. That’s been good for the squad and ultimately we’ll get the benefits of that.
Carla Hohepa and Aroha Savage weren’t considered for selection due to injuries sustained in the Test match against Canada.
The Irish side were just beated by England 12-10 and couldn’t match Canada 28 – 7.
BLACK FERNS TEST MATCH SCHEDULE
Saturday, 19 November, 12 NOON (Sunday 20 November 1:00 AM NZT)
Result: Black Ferns 25 England 20
Wednesday, 23 November 1:00PM (Thursday, 24 November 2:00AM NZT)
Black Ferns v Canada, Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin
Result: Black Ferns 20 Canada 10
Sunday, 27 November 2:00PM (Monday, 28 November 3:00AM NZT)
Black Ferns v Ireland, The Bowl, UCD, Dublin
