12 new players named in Black Ferns squad to tour England, France

Black Ferns

The squad

Forwards: Grace HoupapaBarrett, Te Kura NgataAerengamate, Georgia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Aldora Itunu, Phillipa Love, Krystal Murray, Aleisha Nelson, Amy Rule, Eloise Blackwell, Joanah NganWoo, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Kelsie Wills, Alana Bremner, Les Elder, Dhys Faleafaga, Liana MikaeleTu’u, Kendra Reynolds, Kennedy Simon.

Backs: Ariana Bayler, Kendra Cocksedge, Iritana Hohaia, Ruahei Demant, Patricia Maliepo, Chelsea Alley, Grace Brooker, Stacey Fluhler, Carla Hohepa, Kelly Brazier, Renee Holmes, Ayesha LetiI’iga, Renee Wickliffe, Portia Woodman, Cheyelle RobinsReti.

A DISRUPTED Farah Palmer Cup has not prevented a large contingent of rookies being named in the Black Ferns squad.

Twelve debutants were named in the 34player squad for the coming tour of England and France.

A further four players’ only experience in the jersey came in last year’s domestic series.

Olympians Portia Woodman, Kelly Brazier and Cheyelle RobinsReti return to the team, following a successful Tokyo campaign.

Renee Wickliffe and Ayesha LetiI’iga return from injury to join them in the outside backs.

Coach Glenn Moore has shown faith in an exciting group of youngsters.

Teenage duo Patricia Maliepo and Liana MikaeleTu’u, sister of Highlander Marino MikaeleTu’u, are selected alongside 20yearolds Dhys Faleafaga and Maia Roos.

Les Elder returns to captain the side after missing the 2020 season.

‘‘Les is a crucial part of our setup. She’s an outstanding player, leads from the front and has the ability to galvanise people around her,’’ Moore said.

‘‘Ella [Blackwell] did a great job last year when we had the domestic hitout.

‘‘She and Kendra are named as vicecaptains, and I’m confident this leadership group will do an outstanding job.’’

Lockdown had had an impact, Moore said.

‘‘It meant we had to reflect more on the early rounds of Farah Palmer Cup and some of the situational games we’d played in camps this year.’’

It was one of the most difficult selection processes he could recall.