Rising stars named in Black Ferns XV team to play Springbok Women

There’s some star power in the Black Ferns XV matchday 23 that will take on South Africa in Cape Town this weekend, with coach Willie Walker calling on eight capped internationals for the first of the historic two-game series.

Neither the Black Ferns nor the Black Ferns XV have ever suited up for a match in South Africa, despite the iconic rivalry between the two rugby nations.

While Saturday’s contest promises physicality and fireworks, the build-up has seen the two teams connecting off the field. The Kiwis were welcomed to the training park on Thursday with an impromptu dance party, started by their opponents.

On the field, meanwhile, a number of rising stars will lock horns with the South Africans’ top squad, with young guns like Taufa Bason among a more experienced forward pack, while the backline has an average age of just 22.

Black Ferns XV team to play the Springbok Women 

1. Marcelle Parkes
2. Luka Connor
3. Ashley Palu
4. Sam Taylor
5. Maama Vaipulu
6. Holly Greenway (c)
7. Taufa Bason
8. Mia Anderson
9. Tara Turner
10. Hannah King
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
13. Kelsey Teneti
14. Winnie Palamo
15. Mererangi Paul  

Reserves

16. Grace Leaso Gago
17. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale
18. Harono Te Iringa
19. Elinor-Plum King
20. Lucy Jenkins
21. Reese Anderson
22. Justine McGregor
23. Kaea Nepia

Springbok Women team to play the Black Ferns XV

1. SANELISIWE CHARLIE
2. MICKE GUNTER
3. BABALWA LATSHA (C)
4. VAINAH UBISI
5. ANATHI QOLO
6. FAITH TSHAUKE
7. LERATO MAKUA
8. ASEZA HELE
9. TAYLA KINSEY
10. LIBBIE JANSE VAN RENSBURG
11. MACEALA SAMBOYA
12. CHUMISA QAWE
13. ELOISE WEBB
14. JAKKIE CILLIERS
15. NADINE ROOS

Reserves

16. ROSELINE BOTES
17. YONELA NGXINGOLO
18. NOMBUYEKEZO MDLIKI
19. SINAZO MCATSHULWA
20. CATHA JACOBS
21. MARY ZULU
22. APHIWE NGWEVU
23. ZINTLE MPUPHA