Black Ferns make changes for second Test

Mon, Oct 24, 2016, 10:58 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
The Black Ferns beat the Wallaroos, 67-3, last Saturday. Photo: Getty Images
The Black Ferns beat the Wallaroos, 67-3, last Saturday. Photo: Getty Images

The Black Ferns have made three changes to their starting side, as they vie for a clean sweep in their two-Test series against the Wallaroos.

Charmaine McMenamin comes into blindside, replacing Rawinia Everitt, while Kelly Brazier will start at flyhalf, coming in for Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, after a star turn off the bench at Eden park.

Inside centre Chelsea Alley is under an injury cloud, with Janna Vaughan in line to start at 12 if Alley doesn't come up.

Loosehead prop Pip Love's season is over, after an ACL injuryin the first Test, with Toka Natua taking her place.

"Defensively we played really well, and we've focussed this week on improving our ball retention," coach Glenn Moore 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," he said.

Back Carla Hohepa is a chance to return tom injury in the clash, which would be a boost for the Kiwis.

"Carla's excited to get out there and we know she's a very talented player. She's very fit and trained exceptionally well this week.

"The team was thrilled with the support we had on Saturday night from friends, family and fans and we hope they will come along tomorrow to cheer us on."

The Black Ferns host the Wallaroos in Albany on Wednesday, kicking off at 12:30pm AEDT

Black Ferns team

1. Toka Natua

2. Fiao’o Faamausili (c)

3.  Aleisha Nelson

4. Eloise Blackwell

5. Charmaine Smith

6. Charmaine McMenamin

7. Sarah Goss

8. Aroha Savage

9. Kendra Cocksedge

10. Kelly Brazier

11. Renee Wickliffe

12. Chelsea Alley (Janna Vaughan)

13. Portia Woodman

14. Honey Hireme

15. Selica Winiata

Reserves

16. Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate

17. Aldora Itunu

18. Aotearoa Mata’u

19. Charlene Gubb

20. Angie Sisifa

21. Kristina Sue

22. Carla Hohepa

23. Hazel Tubic

 

 

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