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Black Ferns name two debutants for Pacific Four Series clash against Canada
By Online Editors
Two players are in line for a Black Ferns debut this weekend as New Zealand host Canada in the second week of the Pacific Four Series at Trusts Arena in Waitakere on Sunday.
Involved in the Black Ferns domestic series against the Barbarians in 2020, centre Amy du Plessis has been named to play her first international test.
18-year-old Auckland midfielder Sylvia Brunt, meanwhile, is poised to debut from the bench following a quick rise to the top through some powerful performances in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Changes in the backline see Hazel Tubic earn her first start a first-five, with captain Ruahei Demant moving out to second-five.
Demant replaces Chelsea Semple who was not available for selection due to illness, while Du Plessis replaces Kelsey Teneti who has returned to the Black Ferns Sevens programme.
After powerful performances off the bench last weekend, Luka Connor, Tanya Kalounivale, Joanah Ngan-Woo and Tafito Lafaele are all promoted to the starting pack.
Black Ferns director of rugby Wayne Smith said the changes this week are in line with ensuring all players in the 32-strong squad have the opportunity to impress.
“We’ve selected players that we think are up to the level required at international rugby so we are making sure they get the opportunity on the field to prove that," Smith said.
“This series is all about players showing what they can do and putting their best foot forward for when it comes time for Rugby World Cup selection.”
Trailing 5-10 at half time against Australia, the Black Ferns bounced back with a strong second half performance, Smith said they expect another tough encounter against Canada.
“Canada looked physical against the USA, they were explosive and we know they’ve had players added to their team this week from the English Premiership.
"It will certainly be another tough match, but that is where you learn and that’s exactly what we want.”
Kick-off for Sunday's match in Auckland is scheduled for 2:45pm.
Black Ferns team to play Canada
1. Phillipa Love
2. Luka Connor
3. Tanya Kalounivale
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
5. Joanah Ngan-Woo
6. Alana Bremner
7. Tafito Lafaele
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Kendra Cocksedge
10. Hazel Tubic
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
12. Ruahei Demant – captain
13. Amy du Plessis*
14. Ruby Tui
15. Cheyelle Robins-Reti
Reserves:
16. Georgia Ponsonby
17. Angel Mulu
18. Amy Rule
19. Chelsea Bremner
20. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u/Kendra Reynolds
21. Ariana Bayler/Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu
22. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt*
23. Renee Wickliffe
- additional reporting with New Zealand Rugby
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Latest Comments
SCW really dislikes Eddie, doesn't he?
His words in 2019 before the RWC final that he now says should have resulted in Eddie's firing:
"Was Saturday’s sensational World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand England’s greatest ever performance? Yes, unquestionably, would be my answer."
So let's fire the coach one game later? Duh!
Go to commentsIreland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
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