Quartet named in Black Ferns
There were no Manawatu bolters when the Black Ferns squad was named at the weekend.
Seven Manawatu players trialled for the Black Ferns at the Sport and Rugby Institute and one was on the sidelines injured, but only four were selected in the 31-strong New Zealand squad for matches against England, Australia and Canada next month.
Halfback Kristina Sue, wing Janna Vaughan, flanker Sarah Goss and fullback Selica Winiata, who didn’t trial because she has a broken nose, were all picked.
While hooker Rebekah Tufuga, outside back Crystal Mayes, flanker Nicole Dickins and lock Rhiarna Ferris all missed out.
Winiata is a regular in the team and has played 24 tests, while Goss has played two tests since her debut last year but the New Zealand sevens captain has justified her place in the team.
Speedy utility back Vaughan debuted two years ago has played six tests, and Sue, who has been in top form for the past year, has played four tests since debuting last year. Two uncapped players were named in the squad in North Harbour’s Rebecca Wood and Auckland’s Theresa Fitzpatrick.
The series, where all four teams will play the other three, is a major part of the build-up to the World Cup in Ireland in August.
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore
said most of the players named were likely to form the World Cup squad and added the home series was a chance to to try some things without showing too much.
Moore spoke highly of both potential debutants.
‘‘[Fitzpatrick] has got some pace and some real skills and attributes around those positions. She’s a strong defender and she thoroughly deserves her selection.
‘‘Becky is a firefighter and she has a lot of courage. She was someone we had on our radar last year. She’s fairly new to the game, but leading up to this her talent and character really stood out.’’
Moore added the group he had selected had a strong work ethic and desire to do well.
‘‘We have had a vision for how we want to play the game, and for the last couple of years we have been progressively building that. We’re looking to advance year on year and I think we’ve made good strides there.’’
The wider world cup training squad includes a seven players who will continue to train in regional hubs: Those players are Charlene Gubb (Auckland), Jessie Hansen (Christchurch), Carla Hohepa (Waikato), Emma Jensen (Auckland), Aotearoa Mata’u (Counties Manukau), Tyla Nathanwong (Auckland), and Stephanie Te Ohaere-fox (Canterbury).