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