The Black Ferns team to play their last international hit-out against Canada in Whakatane today , has been named.
Black Ferns Head Coach Brian Evans and his selection team have made several changes to the starting line up as they continue to test combinations and create competition for positions.
The team is (* denotes new cap):
1 Ruth Mckay
2 Fiao’o Fa’amausili, captain
3 Aleisha Nelson
4 Jackie Patea
5 Rawinia Everitt
6 Linda Itunu
7 Justine Lavea
8 Casey Roberston
9 Emma Jensen
10 Kelly Brazier
11 Shakira Baker
12 Amiria Rule
13 Huriana Manuel
14 Honey Hireme
15 Renee Wickliffe
Reserves
16 Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate
17 Kathleen Wilton
18 Philippa Love *
19 Eloise Blackwell
20 Aroha Savage
21 Kendra Cocksedge
22 Halie Tiplady- Hurring
23 Selica Winiata
With Stephanie TeOhaere-Fox ruled out with a knee injury, Otago prop Pip Love has been called into the squad and looks set to make her Black Ferns debut off the bench.
The team also features Manawatu prop Ruth McKay who will play her 20th Test match for the World Champions.
Brian Evans said he was pleased with the first Test match where they defeated Canada 16-8. The relentless rain in that match meant the pitch was slow and heavy but it had been a good test of discipline and strength for both teams.
“We’re continuing to test out our combinations – and there has been a real competitive edge inside the camp as they all want the hit-out against Canada as the last chance to prove themselves for the World Cup squad.
“We have taken the precaution of withdrawing Steph from the squad so that she is in the best position to be fit for World Cup, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity afor Pip Love who has had some good form in Otago, and is definitely a young, up and coming prop,” he said.
The Black Ferns squad to play in the Women’s Rugby World Cup will be confirmed after the International Women’s Rugby Series.
Meanwhile, Whakatane is gearing up to host their first Black Ferns Test match tomorrow at Rugby Park.
Black Ferns v Canada
Rugby Park
Whakatane
Kickoff: 2.30pm
International Women’s Rugby Series:
Sunday 1 June
Black Ferns 38 v Australia 3
Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Friday 6 June:
Australia 0 v Canada 22
Tauranga Domain, Tauranga
Saturday 7 June:
Black Ferns 90 v Samoa 12
Eden Park, Auckland
Tuesday 10 June:
Black Ferns 16 v Canada 8
Tauranga Domain, Tauranga
Saturday 14 June
Black Ferns v Canada
Rugby Park, Whakatane
Kick-off 2:30pm
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