Black Ferns team named for Rugby World Cup opener against Kazakhstan

Aug 1 • General News, International, Rugby World Cup • 1614 Views • Comments Off on Black Ferns team named for Rugby World Cup opener against Kazakhstan

The Black Ferns team to play Kazakhstan in New Zealand’s IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign opener tonight in France, has been named.

The team is:

1 Ruth Mckay
2 Fiao’o Fa’amausili (captain)
3 Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox
4 Eloise Blackwell
5 Sanita Levave
6 Rawinia Everitt
7 Justine Lavea
8 Casey Roberstson
9 Kendra Cocksedge
10 Kelly Brazier
11 Halie Tiplady-Hurring
12 Amiria Rule
13 Huriana Manuel
14 Shakira Baker
15 Selica Winiata

Reserves:
16 Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate
17 Aleisha Nelson
18 Linda Itunu
19 Aroha Savage
20 Emma Jensen
21 Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali
22 Honey Hireme

Coach Brian Evans said the team had a good week heading into the start of the tournament.

“We had quite a condensed assembly before we left New Zealand but we’ve had a really good preparation on the ground here and now the girls are just itching to out there and play.

“The trainings have been solid and we’ve also enjoyed some of the off-field activities including a visit to our own embassy – that was pretty special.

“We don’t know a lot about Kazakhstan but they played in the last World Cup and we know that they are big and fit so we need to be prepared because we know that teams bring something extra when they play against the black jersey.”

The side includes three players playing in their fourth Rugby World Cup campaign – captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili, halfback Emma Jensen and storming loose forward Casey Robertson.

“This is an awesome achievement for these players and we are very fortunate to have their experience and calm heads inside the team environment.”

Kick-off for tonight’s match starts from 11pm tonight (NZT) with coverage on SKY Sport from 10.50pm and replayed tomorrow at 12pm on the Rugby Channel.