Black Ferns ring changes as players get last chance to impress

The Black Ferns coaches have again made a raft of changes to the team for Saturday’s final World Cup pool game against Scotland in Whangārei, with halfback Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu to captain the side.

Photo: Sarah Reed / www.photosportnz

In just her second start for New Zealand, Marino-Tauhinu will lead the side, combining with her Counties Manukau teammate Hazel Tubic who is named to start at first-five.

Star winger Ayesha Leti-L’iga returns from injury and she and reserve hooker Natalie Delamare are set to make their World Cup debuts.

Liana Mikaele-Tu’u returns at No.8 and joins Sarah Hirini and Alana Bremner in the loose forwards.

Theresa Fitzpatrick and Amy du Plessis combine in the midfield, having previously been the starting midfield during the O’Reilly Cup Series in Christchurch in August, while Renee Holmes is at fullback.

The coaches said earlier this week that they’re close to nailing down their top team, with this weekend’s game the last chance for players to impress.

Ayesha Leti-L’iga is back for the Black Ferns.
Photo: Aaron Gillions

Marino-Tauhinu was raised in Northland, playing her junior club rugby at Ohaeawai Rugby Club and attending Okaihau College and Black Ferns head coach Wayne Smith said the halfback has impressed all year and he believes she will a great leader on the field.

“The last time we played up here in Whangārei, Arihiana started and was player of the match; she deserves this start. She is in our leadership group and is already a respected leader in the team, so we have full confidence in her captaining the side on Saturday.”

An all-Canterbury front row sees Georgia Ponsonby flanked by Pip Love and Amy Rule in the starting pack.

Smith said the Black Ferns have been continually improving over the past month together and this weekend was about putting that on the field.

“We’ve seen bits and pieces of the game we want to play so this Test is about bringing that all together for a more complete performance. We expect Scotland to be tough up front, so our attitude will need to be there right from kick off.”

The Black Ferns and Scotland have not met in a test in 15 years.

In the three previous encounters the Black Ferns have been successful winning 21-0 in 2006, 30-9 in 2005 and 76-0 in 1998.

Already confirmed a spot in the quarter finals, Saturday’s pool match will determine what seeding position the Black Ferns will take into the playoffs.

The Black Ferns team is;

1. Phillipa Love (21)

2. Georgia Ponsonby (9)

3. Amy Rule (8)

4. Joanah Ngan-Woo (13)

5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (10)

6. Alana Bremner (9)

7. Sarah Hirini (13)

8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (8)

9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (11) – captain

10. Hazel Tubic (19)

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (17)

12. Theresa Fitzpatrick (14)

13. Amy du Plessis (6)

14. Renee Wickliffe (46)

15. Renee Holmes (6)

16. Natalie Delamare (2)

17. Krystal Murray (5)

18. Tanya Kalounivale (5)

19. Chelsea Bremner (8)

20. Kendra Reynolds (8)

21. Kendra Cocksedge (64)

22. Sylvia Brunt (6)

23. Ruahei Demant (23)

Unavailable due to injury: Stacey Fluhler and Kennedy Simon