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Sevens star Ruby Tui named in Black Ferns squad missing three senior players
Black Ferns Sevens star Ruby Tui is in line for a test debut after being named in the first Black Ferns squad of the year on Wednesday.
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Tui has been included in a 31-strong squad named by the new coaching staff comprised of Wayne Smith, Whitney Hansen and Wesley Clarke for next month’s Pacific Four Series against Australia, the USA and Canada.
With Olympic gold and silver medals, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, a Sevens World Cup and multiple World Sevens Series titles to her name, Tui brings with her a wealth of experience from the sevens arena to the XVs game.
A member of the Super Rugby Aupiki-winning Chiefs Manawa squad, the 2019 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year is one of seven players in line to make their test debuts for the Black Ferns.
Joining Tui among that cohort includes hooker Natalie Delamore, props Lucy Anderson, Tanya Kalounivale and Angel Mulu, and loose forwards Tafito Lafaele and Kaipo Olsen-Baker.
The squad will be captained experienced first-five Ruahei Demant, but is without three key figures who have been culled by Smith, Hansen and Clarke.
Those players are flanker Les Elder, who captained the side in last year’s ill-fated tour of England and France, lock Eloise Blackwell and wing Renee Wickliffe.
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Smith, the former All Blacks coach who has joined the Black Ferns as director of rugby, said in a statement that the trio have missed selection in preserve them for the New Zealand-hosted World Cup later this year.
“These are players that have had a significant impact on the Black Ferns team for a long time. We want them to be in the best possible condition to be selected for Rugby World Cup,” Smith said.
Smith added that Demant stands as an ideal candidate to lead the squad in next month’s series, which will see the Black Ferns play in Tauranga, Auckland and Whangarei.
“Lu [Demant] has the trust from this group. She is a clear, specific communicator and we see this as a great opportunity to grow her leadership,” he said.
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The Black Ferns will kick their Pacific Four Series off against the Wallaroos at Tauranga Domain on June 6, before hosting Canada in Auckland on June 12 and the United States in Whangarei on June 18.
Black Ferns squad for Pacific Four Series
Hookers:
Luka Connor
Natalie Delamere*
Georgia Ponsonby
Props:
Lucy Anderson*
Tanya Kalounivale*
Pip Love
Angel Mulu*
Krystal Murray
Leilani Perese
Amy Rule
Locks:
Chelsea Bremner
Joanah Ngan Woo
Maiakawanakaulani Roos
Loose Forwards:
Alana Bremner
Tafito Lafaele*
Liana Mikaele Tu’u
Kaipo Olsen-Baker*
Kendra Reynolds
Halfbacks:
Ariana Bayler
Kendra Cocksedge
Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu
Inside Backs:
Ruahei Demant (c)
Amy du Plessis
Carla Hohepa
Patricia Maliepo
Chelsea Semple
Outside Backs:
Renee Holmes
Ayesha Leti-I’iga
Cheyelle Robins-Reti
Grace Steinmetz
Ruby Tui*
* denotes new cap
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
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