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Black Ferns name experimental side for first Wallaroos skirmish
By Sam Smith
After claiming the Pacific Four Series on home soil in June, the Black Ferns are eyeing the defence of the O’Reilly Cup as they build towards the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
NZ will take on Australia in Christchurch on Saturday and coaches Wayne Smith, Wes Clarke and Whitney Hansen have mixed up their selection, making seven changes to the team that ran out in the 50-6 victory over the United States in June.
On the rebound from injury, loose forwards Kennedy Simon and Charmaine McMenamin have been named in the starting line-up for their first Test matches of 2022. Simon will wear the captain's armband alongside first five-eighth Ruahei Demant who led the team during the Pacific Four Series. The Waikato loose forward was previously named Black Ferns Player of the Year in 2021 but missed June's series with a knee injury.
Sevens exponent Theresa Fitzpatrick, who was part of the 2017 World Cup-winning Black Ferns, will make her first appearance since 2019 and will combine with Amy du Plessis in the midfield. Her sevens teammate, Tyla Nathan-Wong, will make her debut off the bench alongside prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu.
Black Ferns Head Coach Wayne Smith said there is real significance in defending the O’Reilly Cup in the city where Laurie O’Reilly had such an influence on the game of rugby.
“My want to get involved with the Black Ferns started as a tribute to Laurie who was a great mate and mentor of mine," Smith said. "He inspired me to be a coach and I feel really fortunate to have had such a great relationship with him.
“Every Test match is special, but the significance of playing for this trophy in Christchurch this weekend is not lost on our team."
Saturday's Test will kick off at 7:05pm NZT from Orangetheory Stadium.
Black Ferns: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Ruahei Demant, Kendra Cocksedge, Charmaine McMenamin, Kennedy Simon, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Joanah Ngan Woo, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Luke Connor, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Amy Rule, Tafito Lafaele, Kendra Reynolds, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’I (Sylvia) Brunt, Hazel Tubic.
- with New Zealand Rugby
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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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