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Black Ferns squad named for World Cup
Black Ferns coaches Wayne Smith, Wesley Clarke and Whitney Hansen have selected 32 players in the Black Ferns squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, hosted in New Zealand for the first time.
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The squad was announced by New Zealand Rugby Deputy Chair and Rugby World Cup winner Dr Farah Palmer at College Rifles Rugby Club this afternoon.
Veteran halfback Kendra Cocksedge and outside back Renee Wickliffe will be attending their fourth Rugby World Cup, while seven players are returning for their second after taking part in the 2017 victory.
Players selected range from Northland through to Canterbury, with Sylvia Brunt the youngest selected at just 18-years-old.
The Black Ferns will be co-captained by Auckland’s Ruahei Demant and Waikato’s Kennedy Simon.
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Wayne Smith, who will attend his first women’s Rugby World Cup, but fifth overall, congratulated those selected.
“This is an incredibly special moment for the players selected and on behalf of the coaching group I want to congratulate all those named in today’s squad, it’s an exciting time not only for them but their wh?nau and wider communities as well,” said Smith.
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“It’s also important to make note of those players that missed out. This selection process has been incredibly difficult as the standard of players we have seen across the country this year has been impressive.
“There are a number of players who have had long, distinguished careers in the black jersey and their contribution to this team has been crucial in getting the team to where it is today. And we know as with any campaign of this length, we may still see some of them called into the squad,” said Smith.
The Black Ferns have developed a new game plan in 2022 under the new coaching set up and Smith said he hopes it is one that will excite the rugby public and get them in behind the team throughout the Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve talked a lot this year about wanting to play an exhilarating style of rugby and we have seen that developing throughout the year. We want to play on top of the opposition and that requires a certain set of skills that we have been working really hard on.”
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With an exciting Farah Palmer Cup, Presented by Bunnings Warehouse, coming to a conclusion on Saturday, with Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay claiming titles, Smith said the competition has been a solid build up for the players.
“This year we saw a fast, open and exciting style of game played across the country. Teams were playing with a huge attacking intent which was pleasing to see, and there are a number of players who really cemented their selection in this squad off the back of their FPC form,” said Smith.
Having been involved in the All Blacks home Rugby World Cup campaign in 2011, Smith said he knows how much it means to players to have a chance to compete for the biggest prize in the game on home soil.
“To compete at home in front of our wh?nau and fans will be exceptionally special for the players. In my experience, understanding the significance of the event is important but at the same time you need to be excited by that challenge. You can’t let the pressure overcome you or ignore it. It’s a fine balance. To play with freedom and joy in front of our own people is what we have been training for,” finished Smith.
The Black Ferns squad will assemble in Auckland on Monday in advance of their first ever Test match against Japan at Eden Park. They will stay assembled through to the start of the Rugby World Cup which kicks off at Eden Park on 8 October.
The Black Ferns will face Australia (8 October), Wales (16 October) and Scotland (22 October) in Pool A of the Rugby World Cup.
Black Ferns squad (age, Super Rugby team, Province and Test caps):
Hookers
Luka Connor (26, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 8)
Natalie Delamere (25, Bay of Plenty, Matat?, 2)
Georgia Ponsonby (22, Canterbury, Matat?, 6)
Props
Tanya Kalounivale (23, Waikato, Chiefs, 4)
Phillipa Love (32, Canterbury, Matat?, 19)
Krystal Murray (29, Northland, Blues, 4)
Amy Rule (22, Canterbury, Matat?, 6)
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (24, Waikato, Chiefs, 1)
Santo Taumata (19, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 1)
Locks
Chelsea Bremner (27, Canterbury, Matat?, 5)
Joanah Ngan-Woo (26, Wellington, Hurricanes, 10)
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (21, Auckland, Blues, 7)
Loose Forwards
Alana Bremner (25, Canterbury, Matat?, 8)
Sarah Hirini (29, Manawat?, Hurricanes, 10)
Charmaine McMenamin (32, Auckland, Blues, 27)
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (20, Auckland, Blues, 6)
Kendra Reynolds (29, Bay of Plenty, Matat?, 5)
Kennedy Simon (25, Waikato, Chiefs, 10)
Halfbacks
Ariana Bayler (25, Waikato, Chiefs, 5)
Kendra Cocksedge (34, Canterbury, Matat?, 61)
Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (30, Counties Manukau, Chiefs, 9)
First Five-Eighths
Ruahei Demant (27, Auckland, Blues, 20)
Hazel Tubic (31, Counties Manukau, Chiefs, 16)
Midfielders
Logo I Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt (18, Auckland, 4)
Amy du Plessis (23, Canterbury, Matat?, 3)
Theresa Fitzpatrick (27, Auckland, Blues, 12)
Outside Backs
Stacey Fluhler (26, Waikato, Chiefs, 20)
Renee Holmes (22, Waikato, Matat?, 4)
Ayesha Leti-I’iga (23, Wellington, Hurricanes, 17)
Ruby Tui (30, Counties Manukau, Chiefs, 4)
Renee Wickliffe (35, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs, 44)
Portia Woodman (31, Northland, Chiefs, 18)
Unavailable due to injury: Grace Brooker, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Aleisha Pearl Nelson
-Press Release/New Zealand Rugby
Comments on RugbyPass
I've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
7 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
43 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
7 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
7 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
7 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
7 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
7 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to comments