Ferns select free-scoring young flyer to face USA

“We expect them to play a high tempo, go at about 100 miles an hour at us and we’re looking forward to going out there on Saturday and playing. They’ve got some very quality players. [Michael] Leitch is a great leader and we’re all looking forward to a great challenge,” he said. Wellington speedster Ayesha LetiI’iga is the new name in the Black Ferns to take on the USA in leg one of a triple header at Soldier Field in Chicago tomorrow morning.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a remarkable ride in rugby, named in Glenn Moore’s squad after she was crowned Wellington’s women’s club player of the year.

The teenager scored 41 tries in just 13 matches this year, including a hat-trick on nine occasions. She debuts on the left wing, with the experienced Renee Wickliffe keeping an eye on her from the right.

Moore said Leti-I’iga had been on Black Ferns’ selectors’ radar for the last couple of years and was now beginning to mature and grow.

“Ayesha is the highest try scorer in the Farah Palmer Cup and also in club rugby in New Zealand.

“Coming into this level of rugby is always a challenge and there’s plenty for the new ones to learn. But she’s progressed well in our environment and received great support from the more experienced players.”

Another fast, young Wellingtonian, 20-year-old Monica Tagoai will debut off the bench in the match, which is being shown live on Sky TV from 6am.

“Monica is a talented centre who can play on the wing as well. She has the ability to beat defenders and she has real speed.

“Monica has worked hard in camp and really grown. She’s proven she deserves her opportunity to wear the black jersey.”

Waikato’s Chelsea Alley will start at 12 after an impressive Farah Palmer Cup season that saw her finish among the top goal kickers.

“Chels has been a Black Fern since 2013 and we’ve seen a lot of growth in her, particularly this year. She’s emerging as a real leader and we know she’s ready to step up and help control the game at the weekend.”

The Black Ferns last faced the USA in a World Cup semifinal in 2017, a match the Kiwis won 45-12.

Moore said the Black Ferns were likely to face a very different American side with a host of new caps.

“We’re facing many unknowns but we do know they’ll be athletic, we know they’ll be physical and we know they’ll be fast.”