Three changes for Black Ferns

Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore has made three changes to his starting side as they attempt to continue their dominance over Australia in Auckland on Wednesday.

Kelly Brazier has replaced Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali at first five, opening the door for Carla Hohepa to return from injury via the bench at QBE Stadium.

Charmaine McMenamin starts at blindside flanker for Rawinia Everitt while prop Pip Love, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Saturday’s 67-3 rout at Eden Park, has been replaced by Toko Natua.

The Black Ferns retained the Laurie O’Reilly Memorial Trophy courtesy of their 14th-straight victory over Australia in the first test.

But with matches against England, Canada and Ireland during next month’s end of year tour to Europe, Moore is still looking for improvement. ‘‘Defensively we played really well, and we’ve focussed this week on improving our ball retention,’’ the coach said.

‘‘The team has bonded well in camp and there’s a real desire for getting better match-on-match.

‘‘We’ve had one setback in that Pip Love has injured her ACL which has ruled her out of the end of year tour. It’s really disappointing for her and for us all.’’

Despite using 12 debutants in the first test, that hasn’t stopped Australia coach Paul Verrell from swinging the axe on his side.

Verrell has made six changes and has revamped the backline with Sarah Riordan moving from fullback to inside centre and Chloe Leaupepe to make her debut in the No 15 jersey.

Madeline Putz comes into the side on the wing, with Katrina Barker brought into outside centre.