Black Ferns name squad for England tests
The Black Ferns squad for an upcoming three-test series with England has been chosen.
Published by Scrum Queens, October 31st, 2012
3 minute read
There are five new caps in the 26 player squad selected by coach Brian Evans.
New Zealand head to England just weeks after the majority of its top players have finished a competitive NPC season with 11 of the victorious Auckland squad being selected.
With three games in a week, both 26-player squads will be hugely tested.
Last year England won the opening two games of the series and drew the third.
Since the last tour here last November, England have contested a Six Nations and European Cup - winning both - while New Zealand have not featured at XV level, having focused on launching their national Sevens programme.
The Black Ferns squad selected is minus the 2011 Black Ferns and World Cup winning captain Victoria Grant(pictured)who is replaced as skipper by last years New Zealand Rugby Womens Player of the Year Fiao'o Fa'amausili.
Evans said: "We are very excited about the prospect of playing England again. We know they are always a formidable opposition especially at home.
"While we have a few players who are new to the Black Ferns environment, we are very pleased that the Women's Provincial Competition and the Sevens programme have provided good platforms for preparation.
"I think we have a particularly strong forward pack with some very good ball runners. We are again lucky to have some exciting backs.
"Exposure to the style of lively and strong rugby that we know England will bring, will be a challenge, but one I know the women are up for. This is a good chance to test our depth as we also look ahead to next year's tour when England travel here," he said.
The Black Ferns squad for 2012 is:
FORWARDSStephanie TeOhaere-Fox CanterburyRuth McKay ManawatuKathleen Wilton OtagoAleisha Nelson * AucklandFiao'o Faamausili AucklandKarina Stowers AucklandEloise Blackwell AucklandJackie Patea * WellingtonCharlene Halapua * AucklandRawinia Everitt AucklandLydia Crossman AucklandJustine Lavea AucklandAroha Savage AucklandCasey Robertson CanterburyBACKSZoey Berry * CanterburyEmma Jensen AucklandKendra Cocksedge CanterburyVictoria Nafatali * OtagoKelly Brazier OtagoTeresa Te Tamaki WaikatoClaire Richardson OtagoShakira Baker ManawatuHalie Hurring OtagoAnika Tiplady OtagoSelica Winiata ManawatuHazel Tubic Auckland
Black Ferns Test Schedule (NZ Times)Black Ferns v England, Esher RFC, 24 November, 8:30amBlack Ferns v England, Army Rugby Stadium, Aldershot, 28 November 8:30amBlack Ferns v England, Twickenham, 2 December,6:00am