Changes galore in Perofeta his chance Black Ferns team for Three changes to starting 15 second cup match Pumas
Pumas Black Ferns To play Australia
started his career in the Heartland Championship since Mid Canterbury prop Tim Perry.
Foster indicated Perofeta’s test debut was originally planned for next week. Barrett’s injury has instead fasttracked his promotion after assuming a watching brief for this year’s
first five tests against Ireland and South Africa.
‘‘He’s been quite impressive behind the scenes,’’ Foster said.
‘‘The opportunity has come — there was potential for it to be next week, but it’s this week and the whole group is excited by that. We’ve got a lot
of faith in him.
‘‘He’s confident, he’s happy to talk in front of the group but the main thing is he’s learning on the park. He’s had a role to fill at 15 and 10, so there’s a lot to learn, but he’s done that particularly well.’’
WELLINGTON: There are several changes to the Black Ferns team for the second O’Reilly Cup game against Australia this weekend, with two players set to make their debuts.
Grace Steinmetz will start at fullback in her first test, while Bay of Plenty prop Santo Taumata will come off the bench.
There are seven other changes from the side that won the first game in Christchurch 525.
Hooker Luka Connor, prop Amy Rule, lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos, loosie Kendra Reynolds, halfback Ariana Bayler and centres Chelsea Semple and Sylvia Brunt all come into the starting 15.
Both Theresa Fitzpatrick and Tyla NathanWong have returned to the Black Ferns Sevens programme as they build for the Rugby World Cup Sevens early next month.
Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith said while the result last week was strong on the scoreboard, the coaches and players were aligned on what needed to be worked on this week.
‘‘I felt we played well; we saw an improvement in our forward play and our defence but our skill execution was poor.
‘‘We are wanting to play a fast, attacking game on top of the opposition which requires a specific skillset, so its an area that requires more effort.’’
While injury and illness has plagued Steinmetz’ year to date, Smith said the Black Ferns were looking forward to seeing her get her shot.
‘‘Grace is very good defensively, she has good footwork
Grace Steinmetz, Ruby Tui, Sylvia Brunt, Chelsea Semple, Ayesha LetiI’iga, Ruahei Demant (cocaptain), Ariana Bayler, Kennedy Simon (cocaptain), Kendra Reynolds, Alana Bremner, Joanah Ngan Woo, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amy Rule, Luka Connor, Pip Love. Reserves: Natalie Delamare, Krystal Murray, Santo Taumata, Chelsea Bremner, Charmaine McMenamin, Arihiana MarinoTauhinu, Renee Holmes, Hazel Tubic. and is good at getting that final pass away. Clearly we know she can play on the wing, but we want to see how she goes at fullback.’’
Of Taumata, the former Te Puke High School pupil, Smith believes tomorrow will be the start of big things.
‘‘For a 19yearold she is phenomenal. Santo is immensely strong, she’s a good scrumager and is very quick off the ground. We might just see the birth of a star.’’
The Black Ferns will be looking for a strong performance before they meet Australia again on the opening day of Rugby World Cup at Eden Park in October. — RNZ