Seven Hurricanes and Poua members have been named to represent New Zealand in this weekend’s double header at the Hurricanes' home, Sky Stadium.
Black Ferns named to face Australia in O’Reilly Cup Test match
Black Ferns selectors have named their match-day 23 to play Australia in the O’Reilly Cup presented by Bupa Test match in front of a sold-out crowd at Sky Stadium, Wellington, with Hurricanes Poua members Layla Sae and Iritiana Hohaia named on the bench.
After being recalled into the squad earlier this week as injury cover, Ruby Tui will celebrate her 20th Test off the bench alongside Amy Rule, who celebrates her 30th Test.
Saturday will be the last chance for fans to watch the reigning world champions on home soil.
Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said “We’re really looking forward to playing in front of our whānau and friends on Saturday. I want to take the time to thank everyone for coming out to support our home games this year. Your continued support is incredibly valuable to us as we embark on our Rugby World Cup journey in England next month,”
Black Ferns v Australia
1 Chryss Viliko
2 Georgia Ponsonby
3 Tanya Kalounivale
4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos
5 Chelsea Bremner
6 Alana Bremner (cc)
7 Jorja Miller
8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9 Risaleaana Pouri-Lane
10 Ruahei Demant (cc)
11 Katelyn Vahaakolo
12 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i Sylvia Brunt
13 Stacey Waaka
14 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
15 Renee Holmes
Reserves
16 Vici-Rose Green
17 Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18 Amy Rule (30th Test)
19 Laura Bayfield*
20 Layla Sae
21 Iritana Hohaia
22 Kelly Brazier
23 Ruby Tui (20th Test)
*denotes debut
Unavailable due to injury:
Kate Henwood (ankle), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (hamstring), Amy du Plessis (hamstring), Maia Joseph (hamstring), Braxton Sorensen-McGee (hip).
All Blacks selectors name their team for the second test against France
All Blacks selectors Scott Robertson, Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan have named their team for the second test against France in the Lipovitan-D July Series at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
Timoci Tavatavanawai will have the opportunity to earn his first All Blacks cap this Saturday night, becoming the fifth debutant this season so far. He has been named on the bench in one of three changes to the line-up that beat France in narrow 31 - 27 victory in the first test.
With Scott Barrett unavailable for the remainder of the series due to a calf injury, Patrick Tuipulotu comes in at lock, and Ardie Savea will captain the side.
Hurricanes Cam Roigard, Jordie Barrett (Vice-Captain) and Billy Proctor have again been named in the starting 15, with Pasilio Tosi and Du’Plessis Kirifi on the bench.
All Blacks coach Scott Robinson said “Test series are a unique and exciting opportunity. Both teams now have a better idea of what they’re going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion. We know where we need to improve,”
“It is also awesome to be part of a double-header with the Black Ferns, who will take on Australia at 4:30pm. We’ve enjoyed connecting with the team this week and know they will put on a spectacle for the fans at Sky Stadium, in their last domestic game before the Rugby World Cup.”
Tyrel Lomax remains unavailable due to a calf injury.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (30)
2. Codie Taylor (97) (Vice-Captain)
3. Fletcher Newell (23)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (51)
5. Fabian Holland (1)
6. Tupou Vaa’i (39)
7. Ardie Savea (95) (Captain)
8. Christian Lio-Willie (1)
9. Cam Roigard (11)
10. Beauden Barrett (135)
11. Caleb Clarke (29)
12. Jordie Barrett (69) (Vice-Captain)
13. Billy Proctor (3)
14. Rieko Ioane (82)
15. Will Jordan (42)
Reserves
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (31)
17. Ollie Norris (1)
18. Pasilio Tosi (8)
19. Samipeni Finau (9)
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (1)
21. Cortez Ratima (12)
22. Timoci Tavatavanawai *
23. Damian McKenzie (62)
Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Tyrel Lomax (calf); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Luke Jacobson (concussion); Sevu Reece (concussion); Scott Barrett (calf)
