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Big names make anticipated return in Black Ferns' WXV1 squad
By Ned Lester
Some Kiwi stars have returned in the Black Ferns' squad named for a Northern Tour which will act as the last chance to play their biggest European foes before the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Director of Rugby Allan Bunting was excited to have some familiar names back in camp, including 2021 World Cup star Ayesha Leti-I'iga and co-captain Kennedy Simon.
“To have Ayesha returning is special, she has worked hard for this opportunity. She is lethal both sides of the ball, and her experience and character really enhances our environment on and off the field. We look forward to seeing her get back out there.”
After falling to Canada in the Pacific Four Series, there is extra pressure on the team to perform and show their game is starting to come together ahead of next year's showpiece in the U.K.
“Our wahine have been working hard, so this selection has been tough. We have seen a real competitive edge within the environment which has attributed to the growth we are seeing in the group.
“This tour presents an awesome opportunity for our wahine to face the best. The spectacle of playing at Twickenham, and the experience we gain from WXV 1, play an important role in our build-up for next year’s Rugby World Cup.”
The Black Ferns vs Red Roses clash will be the first Test at the 82,000-seat Twickenham under its new title of Allianz Stadium, and the Kiwis will be hoping to begin this new era at the iconic venue with an upset.
Black Ferns squad (age, Super Rugby Club, Provincial Union, Test caps)
Forwards:
Alana Bremner (27, Matatu, Canterbury, 21)
Amy Rule (24, Matatu, Canterbury, 24)
Atlanta Lolohea (21, Matatu, Canterbury, 1)
Chelsea Bremner (29, Chiefs Manawa, Canterbury, 19)
Chryss Viliko (23, Blues, Auckland, 6)
Georgia Ponsonby (24, Matatu, Canterbury, 24)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (22, Matatu, Manawatu, 6)
Kate Henwood (35, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 5)
Kennedy Simon (27, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 23) (Co-Captain)
Layla Sae (23, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatu, 7)
Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (22, Blues, Auckland, 22)
Lucy Jenkins (23, Matatu, Canterbury, 7)
Luka Connor (27, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 23)
Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (21, Blues, Auckland, 2)
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (23, Blues, Auckland, 25)
Marcelle Parkes (26, Matatu, Canterbury, 6)
Phillipa Love (34, Matatu, Canterbury, 28)
Tanya Kalounivale (25, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 14)
Backs:
Amy Du Plessis (25, Matatu, Canterbury, 17)
Ayesha Leti-I'iga (25, Hurricanes Poua, 21)
Hannah King (20, Hurricanes Poua, 3)
Iritana Hohaia (24, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 10)
Katelyn Vahaakolo (24, Blues, Auckland, 10)
Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (20, Blues, Auckland, 17)
Maia Joseph (22, Matatu, Otago, 4)
Mererangi Paul (25, Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau, 9)
Patricia Maliepo (21, Blues, Auckland, 9)
Renee Holmes (24, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 18)
Ruahei Demant (29, Blues, Auckland, 37) (Co-Captain)
Ruby Tui (32, Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau, 14)
Unavailable for selection: Awhina Tangen Wainohu (neck), Grace Leaso Gago (neck), Santo Taumata (knee), Sophie Fisher (neck).
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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