Take five: The Black Ferns questions answered ahead of their return to Eden Park against Japan
The Black Ferns host Japan in their final test before their Rugby World Cup campaign begins against Australia at Eden Park on October 8. Coach Wayne Smith confirmed 10 changes to the starting side after their last outing four weeks ago. Sarah Hirini and Portia Woodman start after a late switch from sevens, Stacey Fluhler is on the bench, and blockbusting winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga drops out of the team.
Ruby Tui and Theresa Fiztpatrick left the sevens programme earlier to improve their selection chances. Hirini, Woodman and Fluhler were added to the squad. They all played at the Sevens World Cup in Cape Town two weeks ago. The Black Ferns are preparing to play Japan at Eden Park.
The Black Ferns are preparing for their return to Eden Park against Japan. Leti-I’iga is all but certain to return after her devastating form this season. Ruby Tui swaps the right wing for the left. Kennedy Simon and Alana Bremner are injured. Tanya Kalounivale is injured too.
The Black Ferns are starting against Japan at Eden Park. Woodman, Ruby Tui, Amy du Plessis, Fitzpatrick, Ruahei Demant, Kendra Cocksedge, Charmaine McMenamin, Chelsea Bremner, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Luka Connor and Phillipa Love are the players to watch.
Japan are ranked 13th in the world and they started their season with wins over Fiji and Australia. They lost to Wales, Scotland and Ireland on their northern tour last November. Their recent form has been mixed with a win and a loss against South Africa and Irish.
Awhina Tangen-Wainohu and Santo Taumata made their debut in last month's O'Reilly Cup series against the Wallaroos. Taumsata's first touch in test rugby was a ferocious run that scattered Australia's defence and led to the decisive try for Ngan-woo in the second half.
The Black Ferns are preparing for their return to Eden Park against Japan. They are: Renee Holmes, Portia Woodman, Amy du Plessis, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Ruby Tui, Ruahei Demant (c), Kendra Cocksedge, Charmaine McMenamin, Sarah Hirini, Liana Mikaele Tu’u, Chelsea Bremner, Joanah Ngan-Woo,Amy Rule, and Luka Connor. Reserves: Georgia Ponsonby, Awhina Tangen-wainohu and Santo Taumata.
