Charmaine Smith returns for first Black Ferns test since 2019 after retiring from neck injury
Charmaine Smith will play her first Black Ferns test in more than four years after she was forced to retire in 2020 because of a neck injury.
The 32-year-old will start at lock against Australia in Hamilton on Saturday when the Black Ferns play their first test at home since winning last year’s Rugby World Cup.
The Chiefs Manawa and Northland forward retired on medical advice after a neck problem left her at risk of a serious spinal injury, but she was given the all-clear to return to play in 2022.
Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting said Smith, a police officer from Whangārei, had been on a mission.
“She got a bit of a sniff, she’s been working away on her own, and she’ll have her baby with her on the field,” Bunting
“To see her get to this point, it will be emotional for her and quite fulfilling. I’m excited about what this means for her this weekend.”
The experienced Smith played 27 tests after her debut in 2015 and was a World Cup winner in 2017. Her last test was against the Wallaroos in Auckland in August 2019.
Her inclusion is the feature of Bunting’s team for Saturday’s O’Reilly Cup test when more than 10,000 are expected at FMG Stadium Waikato, a respectable figure after the record crowds at the World Cup.
After a strong campaign for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aupiki, where the lock played primarily at blindside flanker to great effect, she carried that form into the Farah Palmer Cup with Northland.
She has earned her place ahead of the likes of World Cup hero Joanah Ngan-Woo, who wasn’t selected for the latest squad after a dip in form, and starts alongside Maiakawanakaulani Roos.
The Black Ferns kick off the inaugural WXV1 next month against France in Wellington, with further tests against Wales in Dunedin and England in Auckland, and face the Wallaroos for the second time in three months after winning 50-0 when they clashed in Brisbane in June.
They are expected to defeat the Aussies comfortably – as they have done in nearly all of their 24 meetings – because there has long been an enormous gulf between the trans-Tasman rivals.
Bunting has nonetheless named a strong side, albeit with some less experienced players getting a chance.
There is no place for star outside back Ruby Tui after her return from a sevens sabbatical in the United States.
Katelyn Vahaakolo and Mererangi Paul will each play their third test on the left and right wing respectively.
“Ruby is building well. The ladies on the wing have been working really hard, too, right through FPC. They certainly deserve their spot,” Bunting said.
Another returnee is Blues and Auckland playmaker Patricia Maliepo, who has been named at fullback, with Renee Holmes unavailable because of a minor shoulder injury.
The highly rated 20-year-old played three tests in 2021 but didn’t get an opportunity last year because of concussion issues.
Matatū and Canterbury winger Martha Mataele is on the bench for her potential test debut, as well as Blues and Auckland prop Chryss Viliko and Hurricanes and Manawatū loose forward Layla Sae.
Georgia Ponsonby is the preferred hooker between starting props Krystal Murray and Amy Rule. Murray said Viliko would bring physicality off the bench.
“Everyone has seen highlights of her bending people. That’s her strength,” Murray said.
“We want to make sure she keeps bringing and reinforcing that.”
Viliko, 22, has recovered from a serious knee injury to make her test debut in Hamilton.
“You won’t miss my family because they’ll be holding up a big sign,” Viliko said.
“I’m excited to don the black jersey and play alongside the wāhine toa we have in our team.”
Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis will resume their promising midfield combination and talismanic co-captain Ruahei Demant starts with Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu at halfback.
Their other leader, Kennedy Simon, will play her first test in her hometown in an established loose forward trio with Alana Bremner and Liana Mikaele Tu’u.
AT A GLANCE
Black Ferns: Patricia Maliepo, Mererangi Paul, Amy du Plessis, Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu; Liana Mikaele Tu’u, Kennedy Simon (co-capt), Alana Bremner, Charmaine Smith, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Krystal Murray. Reserves: Luka Connor, Chryss Viliko, Tanya Kalounivale, Lucy Jenkins, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia, Rosie Kelly, Martha Mataele.
Australia: Lori Cramer, Maya Stewart, Georgina Friedrichs, Trilleen Pomare, Ivania Wong, Carys Dallinger, Layne Morgan; Ashley Marsters, Emily Chancellor, Kaitlan Leaney, Michaela Leonard (capt), Sera Naiqama, Eva Karpani, Adiana Talakai, Bree-Anna Cheatham. Reserves: Tania Naden, Emily Robinson, Bridie O’Gorman, Leilani Nathan, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Jasmin Huriwai, Cecilia Smith, Faitala Moleka.
