Moata’ane starting in trial

OTAGO midfielder Kilisitina Moata’ane is the only starter from the South in the Black Ferns trial at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

Moata’ane will start at second fiveeighth for the Possibles side in what looks an impressive backline. Halfback Kendra Cocksedge will captain the Possibles, while outside Moata’ane will be Canterbury centre Grace Brooker and the experienced Selica Winiata will slot in at fullback.

The two other Otago players named in the initial squad, inside back Rosie Kelly and centre Amy Du Plessis, have been named in the Possibles and Probables reserves respectively.

There are plenty of players in the side who started their careers with Otago. These include the likes of winger Janna Vaughan, prop Pip Love, centre Carla Hohepa and front rower Rebecca Todd.

Possibles head coach Chad Shepherd said the side had come together well within a short time and were quickly working together as a team. Otago coach Scott Manson is assistant coach of the Possibles team.

Probables head coach Rodney Gibbs said the rivalries between the two sides had begun early and each team was hungry for a win.

“They are playing for each other but they are also determined to raise money for their charities – Upside Downs Trust and Graeme Dingle Foundation.

Add to that the possibility of being named in the Black Ferns and it makes for an exciting matchup,” he said.

NZR official partner AIG will give $500 for every try scored during the match, and $200 for every conversion and penalty.

All players named would take to the field on Saturday.

After the game a Black Ferns side will be named to play two games against a Barbarians team in Auckland and Nelson on November 14 and November 21 respectively.