Experienced Black Ferns Sevens team looks for consistency in Las Vegas

Feb 22 • General News, International • 1145 Views • Comments Off on Experienced Black Ferns Sevens team looks for consistency in Las Vegas

Cheyelle Robins-Reti joins the Black Ferns Sevens team for the first time, following a stint as travelling reserve to the Sydney tournament, in an otherwise unchanged and experienced team to play the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series tournament in Las Vegas next week.

The Black Ferns Sevens currently lead the points table for the Women’s Sevens Series, ahead of Olympic gold medallists Australia who they have defeated in their last two outings.

The team is (*indicates new cap)
Sarah Goss (captain)
Michaela Blyde
Kelly Brazier
Theresa Fitzpatrick
Tyla Nathan-Wong
Cheyelle Robins-Reti*
Alena Saili
Terina Te Tamaki
Ruby Tui
Kat Whata-Simpkins
Niall Williams
Portia Woodman

Travelling reserves:
Rebekah Cordero-Tufuga
Renee Wickliffe

“Our goals for Las Vegas are consistency and continuity. When the team plays with their heart and smarts they have proven to be hard to beat; we need to ensure that we bring that focus to every game,” said Head Coach Allan Bunting.

“We played some outstanding rugby at times in Sydney, but we did struggle to get our game going consistently. It was disappointing we lost the semi-final against the USA, but we learnt a lot from that, and it gave us the chance to play Australia in their home country. The USA will be pumped to be playing in front of their home crowd, but we are positive and looking forward to our next challenge.

“The selections provide continuity for the majority of players and opportunities to grow new talent with a good base of experienced players to support the new ones coming through.

“Sydney reminded us that we need to treat every game as a final and that it doesn’t matter who we are playing. All countries are now real threats.

“We will face Australia in pool play in Vegas, but we are focused on game one against Brazil. They are a team that has shown they can really play, beating England in Sydney.

“We are confident that with the right focus we can take our game up another notch and play with greater consistency.”