Black Ferns bring in debutantes

It’s third time lucky for Black Fern Kilisitina Moata’ane, who has been named to make her debut from the bench against the Wallaroos in Perth tomorrow.

Moata’ane has twice come close to wearing the black jersey only to be denied by injuries.

In 2018 she was selected for for the European tour, but was injured at the pre-departure camp. Earlier this year the same thing happened before the super series played in the United States.

North Harbour prop Olivia Ward-duin will also make her debut off the bench.

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said Moata’ane’s ability to work her way back into contention for selection was testament to her determination.

‘‘Kilisitina has faced some challenging setbacks but she’s also been very clear about her dream to be a Black Fern.’’

Tighthead prop Ward-duin was included in the recent San Diego squad, but has yet to take the field.

‘‘Olivia’s gained a lot from being in our environment in San Diego. She was called into the squad on the back of an injury of another player and has really improved. She’s tall and very strong. We believe with more experience she will become a world class player,’’ said Moore.

The Black Ferns have had a two-week break since the San Diego series in the lead-up to the series against Australia. Moore said the players had recovered well and were excited to be back training together.

‘‘The Laurie O’reilly is the equivalent of the Bledisloe Cup for us so it means a lot. We don’t see ourselves as defending it. We need to win it again.

‘‘There’s a lot of anticipation around these doubleheaders with the All Blacks and it will be special to play in Perth’s new stadium,’’ he said.