Black Ferns name two debutants for Pacific Four Series clash against Canada
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
Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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