BOP star Michaela Blyde is top try scorer

IN FORM: Bay of Plenty star Michaela Blyde was the top try scorer at the Canada sevens. Photo/photosport

The Black Ferns Sevens have made four changes to their squad to play the final tournament of the 2016/2017 HSBC Word Rugby Women's Sevens Series in Clermont-Ferrand, France, next weekend June 24-25.

The Black Ferns Sevens are first in the overall standings and need to finish 7th or higher to take out the 2016/2017 World Series. Barring a complete form reversal the title is theirs.

New Zealand has won the Women's World Series on three occasions and came second to Australia last year.

Speedster Michaela Blyde from Bay of Plenty is the top overall try scorer for the series.

Gayle Broughton and Terina Te Tamaki re-enter the playing 12 where they are joined by Tayla Reti for the first time.

Reti only started playing sevens earlier this year after being discovered through the Go For Gold programme which identifies new sevens talent to develop for the Olympic Games in 2020. The fourth change is Tenika Willison who will be a travelling reserve.

Black Ferns Sevens head coach Allan Bunting (Rotorua) said the team is not taking anything for granted heading into the final tournament of the series.

"France is another opportunity to build our foundations for the next few years preparing for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. We are focused on fronting every challenge, being courageous, expressing ourselves and making the most of every opportunity. We have a purpose of leaving mana in France.

"With a number of experienced players preparing for the fifteens Women's World Cup, Clermont-Ferrand provides another chance to give other players experience at the next level. Tayla Reti has only been in our environment a short time but has shown real determination and courage to learn and grow at every opportunity, and has earnt her chance to wear the black jersey.

"With the Commonwealth Games and Sevens World Cup next year it is important that we continue to develop depth and foundations in our squad.

"Day one will be a tough one. Our immediate focus is our first game against a very fit and determined Japan. Ireland is improving fast and had a very strong tournament in Canada, and USA can beat anyone when they get things right."

Black Ferns Sevens:
Tyla Nathan-Wong (captain) Auckland, Shakira Baker Waikato, Michaela Blyde Bay of Plenty, Gayle Broughton Taranaki, Jess Drummond Tasman, Crystal Mayes Manawatu, Tayla Reti Manawatu, Alena Saili Southland, Terina Te Tamaki Waikato, Ruby Tui Canterbury, Kat Whata-Simpkins Wellington, Niall Williams Auckland.