Demant’s determination sees her win debut test cap

Auckland first-five Ruahei Demant

(pictured) and wing Alena Saili will make their Black Ferns debuts in Sydney tomorrow after being named to start the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy test against Australia.

Demant will wear the No 10 jersey after fighting her way back from several injuries in the past few years, in a Black Ferns squad that includes five new caps in the 23.

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore put Demant’s selection down to the 23-year-old’s determination and dedication.

“Ruahei never gave up on her rugby dream and worked her way back from knee surgeries. She’s a very experienced player at both club and Farah Palmer Cup [FPC] level. She’s a strong kicker, well organised and works well with [halfback] Kendra [Cocksedge].

“We’ve named five debutants in the team for Saturday, but the amount of rugby experience they all have is significant. The combination of the experienced test match players and these talented new players makes this team an exciting mix.”

Contracted Black Ferns Sevens player Saili, 19, gets her chance on the left wing two years after leaving Southland Girls’ High School, while three other players; Krysten Cottrell (Hawke’s Bay), Cristo Tofa (North Harbour) and Leilani Perese (Counties Manukau) are in line to make their test debuts off the bench.

Cottrell is a versatile back, and has previously won four national sevens titles with Manawatu, Perese a ballcarrying prop, and Tofa is also a front rower who has been plucked out of club rugby at the age of 31.

“Cristo was selected for North Harbour’s FPC side last year and has gone from strength to strength. She can play in multiple positions in the team and is a really experienced rugby player,” Moore said. “Leilani is a very strong ball carrier and can play on both sides of the scrum. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact she will make.”

The Black Ferns’ most capped player, Fiao’o Faamausili, will captain the team tomorrow night, with Canterbury halfback Cocksedge, and Manawatu’s Selica Winiata, named as co-vice captains.

Moore said the squad had prepared well and benefited from last Saturday’s Game of Three Halves against Bay of Plenty and Auckland.

“We’ve had the luxury of more preparation time which has given us the opportunity to gel as a team, test a few things, and make sure everyone is in the best physical and mental state they can be in.

“The players are really enjoying being with each other and we’re really humming. It has been more than a year since we’ve played Australia and we can’t wait to get out there.”