Black Ferns set to kick-off WXV1 Tournament against Ireland
The Black Ferns coaching group have named their match-day 23, to play Ireland in their opening Test of the WXV1 Tournament at BC Place, Vancouver.
Live on Sky Sport NZ: Monday 30 September, Black Ferns v Ireland, 3.00pm (NZST).
Black Ferns team to play Ireland is (Test caps in brackets);
1. Marcelle Parkes (6)
2. Atlanta Lolohea (2)
3. Amy Rule (24)
4. Chelsea Bremner (19)
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (26)
6. Layla Sae (8)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (nee Simon) (24) (Co-Captain)
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u (23)
9. Maia Joseph (5)
10. Ruahei Demant (38) (Co-Captain)
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (11)
12. Amy du Plessis (18)
13. Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt (18)
14. Ruby Tui (17)
15. Renee Holmes (19)
16. Luka Connor (23)
17. Chryss Viliko (7)
18. Tanya Kalounivale (15)
19. Alana Bremner (22)
20. Lucy Jenkins (7)
21. Iritana Hohaia (11)
22. Hannah King (4)
23. Mererangi Paul (9)
In only the Black Ferns’ third encounter with Ireland, the Black Ferns coaching group have highlighted the depth within their selection to face the seventh ranked team in the world.
Notable milestones are scattered throughout the starting fifteen, with lock Chelsea Bremner and fullback Renee Holmes set to start in their 20th Test.
Hooker Atlanta Lolohea is named for her first start in only her third Black Ferns Test. Marcelle Parkes will start at loosehead prop for the first time, a huge feat after only making the switch to the front row in 2023.
Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting congratulated Bremner and Holmes on their impending milestones.
“Both Chelsea and Renee are dedicated and driven around their growth. It’s been inspiring seeing them both continue to develop both on and off the field. That is credit to their commitment to serve this jersey.”
Bunting highlighted the effort of Parkes and Lolohea to earn their respective Test starts.
“Marcelle’s place in the starting side is testament to her perseverance and dedication to transition into the front row. Atlanta’s drive and commitment to grow is outstanding and we are looking forward to seeing both of them enjoy this opportunity.”
In other changes to the playing 23, tighthead prop Amy Rule will start alongside Parkes and Lolohea. The Black Ferns’ depth in loose forwards is evident with the selection of another tantalising trio; Layla Sae has been named at six, Black Ferns Co-Captain Kennedy Tukuafu at openside and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u makes the shift to number eight.
In the backs, it is the return of attacking midfield combination of Amy du Plessis and Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai'i (Sylvia) Brunt which shifts Black Ferns Co-Captain Ruahei Demant back to first five-eighth, with energetic winger Ruby Tui set to start on the right wing.
On the bench, hooker Luka Connor joins a powerful replacement front row in Chryss Viliko and Tanya Kalounivale. Hardworking loose forward Lucy Jenkins and utility back Mererangi Paul get their opportunity to inject their energy off the bench for the first time this tour.
The two sides have met only twice previously, having won a game each. Bunting said the squad is excited to face Ireland in this opening match of the WXV1 Tournament.
“We know Ireland will be an awesome challenge for us at this part of our journey. It has been inspiring to see their progression this year. But for us, want to ensure that we start our WXV1 campaign playing our game. With the changes we have made to our twenty-three if offers an opportunity to grow different combinations as we build into the tournament.”
