Black Ferns team to play Samoa at Eden Park
Black Ferns Coach Brian Evans has reverted to a largely experienced side to face Samoa in an historic Test match to be played as a curtain raiser to the All Blacks v England Test at Eden Park.
It’s the second Black Ferns Test in the International Women’s Rugby Series featuring Australia, Samoa and Canada.
The team is:
1 Ruth Mckay
2 Fiao’o Fa’amausili
3 Aleisha Nelson
4 Jackie Patea
5 Rawinia Everitt
6 Aroha Savage
7 Justine Lavea
8 Casey Roberston
9 Emma Jensen
10 Kelly Brazier
11 Renee Wickliffe
12 Amiria Rule
13 Huriana Manuel
14 Honey Hireme
15 Selica Winiata
Reserves:
16 Te Kura Ngata- Aerengamate
17 Kathleen Wilton
18 Stephanie Te Ohaere- Fox
19 Sanita Lavave
20 Linda Itunu
21 Kendra Cocksedge
22 Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali
23 Shakira Baker
Several changes have been made to the starting line-up, after the Black Ferns beat Australia 38-3 at Rotorua International Stadium last Sunday.
“We had always planned for several changes heading into this match as our focus last week was on giving some of the new players some valuable game time.
“This is another great step forward for the team, and the girls are very excited about playing Samoa at Eden Park.
“There are plenty of connections between our players and the New Zealand-based Manusina Samoa players and they are all looking forward to Test match.
Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili said they were delighted to be playing ahead of the All Blacks Test match at Eden Park.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than playing ahead of the All Blacks at home, and we loved the experience of playing at Eden Park last year against England.
“There are a lot of close and personal connections between the Black Ferns and the girls in the Manusina, and that all adds to this being a special occasion for everyone and we can’t wait to get out there,” she said.
Black Ferns v Samoa
Saturday 7 June
Eden Park Auckland,
Kickoff: 5:00pm
The Black Ferns play Canada on Tuesday at Tauranga Domain.