Blacks Ferns make host of changes to squad for end-of-year tests
A new run of tests brings with it a new look to the Black Ferns squads.
It’s a busy year for Whitney Hansen’s side, who won the Pacific Four series earlier in the year – the tournament being played before Super Rugby Aupiki, after a shift in the international calendar.
The Black Ferns still have eight tests and one trial match ahead of them, with trips to South Africa, France, Scotland and England, before welcoming France for three tests at home.
Naming the squad for that upcoming slate, Hansen and her fellow coaches have made eight changes from the group who won the Pacific Four series, with five uncapped players in the side.
Outside back Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, who was named in the Pacific Four squad but did not play, is again in line for a potential test debut. She is joined in the squad by three other uncapped players: loosehead prop Ngano Tavake, lock Amarante Sititi, loose forward Elinor-Plum King and outside back Maia Davis.
Other changes see outside backs Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Alena Saili, loose forward Layla Sae and tighthead prop Santo Taumata all return to the Black Ferns set-up.
Fullback turned Hurricanes Poua first five-eighths Renee Holmes was unavailable for the squad as she is set to join the sevens programme, with outside back Katelyn Vahaakolo also unavailable due to her commitments in the seven-a-side format.
Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu (hamstring) and outside back Jaymie Kolose (ankle) were unavailable for selection due to injuries.
“This squad has an exciting blend of experience and emerging talent, finding the right balance was a key part of our selections process. We’re also thrilled to welcome our new Black Ferns, who will bring different strengths to our environment on and off the field,” Hansen said.
“The quality of rugby in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki continues to rise every year. The competition for spots in the squad is stronger than ever, with so many talented players across every position. That’s made selection decisions for us incredibly tough, but it’s exactly where we want the game to be and it’s only going to get harder.”
The Black Ferns will begin their slate with a clash against the Black Ferns XV in Upper Hutt on Friday, who will feature capped Black Ferns Grace Brooker, Angel Mulu, Natalie Delamare, Tafito Lafaele and Ariana Bayler.
Black Ferns squad for end-of-year tests
Loosehead props: Chryss Viliko, Maddison Robinson, Ngano Tavake.
Hookers: Vici-Rose Green, Atlanta Lolohea, Georgia Ponsonby.
Tighthead props: Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Mo’omo’oga Palu, Santo Taumata.
Locks: Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Laura Bayfield, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Amarante Sititi.
Loose forwards: Mia Anderson, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Layla Sae.
Halfbacks: Maia Joseph, Tara Turner.
First five-eighths: Ruahei Demant, Hannah King.
Midfield: Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, Justine McGregor, Amy Du Plessis, Alena Saili.
Outside backs: Maia Davis, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Mererangi Paul, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a.
Unavailable: Kennedy Tukuafu (hamstring), Jaymie Kolose (ankle), Renee Holmes (sevens), Katelyn Vahaakolo (sevens).
Black Ferns XV squad
Loosehead props: Angel Mulu, Amber Mundell.
Hookers: Natalie Delamere, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg.
Tighthead props: Lonita Ngalu-Lavamai, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono.
Locks: Sam Taylor, Paris Lokotui, Emma Dermody.
Loose forwards: Taufa Bason, Danny-Elle Fesolai, Leata Puni-Lio, Tafito Lafaele, Sarah Jones.
Inside backs: Ariana Bayler, Kelsyn McCook, Arene Landon Lane, Grace Brooker, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Kokako Raki.
Outside backs: Hinemarangi Scott, Wikitoria Viljoen, Winnie Palamo, Lialanie (Binky) Muamua, Presayus Singh.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
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