Six debutants marks new Black Ferns era

Renee Holmes finds a gap in the USA defence in last year’s Pacific Four Series in Whangarei. Holmes will start at fullback in the Black Ferns’ 2023 series opener against Australia in Brisbane tomorrow. Picture by Aaron Gillions/ www.photosport.nz

Gisborne's Renee Holmes will add to her 10 test caps after being named in the starting 15 for the Black Ferns’ clash with Australia in Brisbane tomorrow night (9pm NZ time).

Holmes is at fullback in what is being seen as the beginning of a new era  for the Women’s Rugby World Cup champions.

Six players will make their Black Ferns debuts at  Dolphins Stadium in a match that doubles as the first test of the Pacific Four Series for the Black Ferns and the Wallaroos, and the first in the transtasman series for the O’Reilly Cup.

Bay of Plenty loosehead prop Kate Henwood, former New Zealand Rugby League player Katelyn Vahaakolo and Chiefs Manawa wing Mererangi Paul have been named in the starting XV. Vahaakolo will become a dual international.

Hurricanes Poua halfback Iritana Hohaia, Matatu first-five Rosie Kelly and Black Ferns Sevens player Tenika Willison are also in line to make their debuts off the bench.

The Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting said the debutants had earned their selection.

“Each of these ladies have been impressive on and off the field and now have the opportunity to represent their country. It will be a special occasion for them and their whānau and one they should be proud of. We are all excited for them and looking forward to seeing how they go.”

Henwood is in the front row alongside starting hooker Georgia Ponsonby and tighthead Tanya Kalounivale. Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Chelsea Bremner are at lock, rounding out the tight five.

Alana Bremner will start at blindside flanker, with co-captain Kennedy Simon at openside and Liana Mikaele Tu’u No.8.

Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu is at halfback inside co-captain and first-five Ruahei Demant. Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis make up the midfield, with Vahaakolo and Paul on the wings and Renee Holmes at fullback.

A replacement front row of Luka Connor, Krystal Murray and Amy Rule will be on the bench.Joanah Ngan Woo is the back-up lock and Kendra Reynolds the loose forward cover.

The reserve backs are Hohaia, Kelly and Willison.

Bunting says the fresh looking 23 selected are energised to kick off their first test of the year.

“Although our time together has been short in my eyes, we have maximised our connection and foundations for our game this year and we are looking forward to seeing how we shape up for this week’s Test against the Wallaroos.

“It marks a new dawn for the Black Ferns as we not only kick off our 2023 campaign but begin building to the next Rugby World Cup.

“Our coaching team have selected an exciting team, that we believe can go out there and play our style of game with freedom.”

The Pacific Four Series also features the United States and Canada. These teams met in the series opener in Spain in April, with Canada winning 50-17.

The rest of the Pacific Four Series games are being held in Ottawa from July 9 to 15. — RNZ

Black Ferns (*denotes debut): 1. Kate Henwood*; 2. Georgia Ponsonby (13 caps); 3. Tanya Kalounivale (6); 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (14); 5. Chelsea Bremner (12); 6. Alana Bremner (13); 7. Kennedy Simon (13, co-captain); 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (11); 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (12); 10. Ruahei Demant (26, co-captain); 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo*; 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt (7); 13. Amy du Plessis (7); 14. Mererangi Paul*; 15. Renee Holmes (10). Reserves: 16. Luka Connor (14); 17. Krystal Murray (9); 18. Amy Rule (12); 19. Joanah Ngan Woo (17); 20. Kendra Reynolds (13); 21. Iritana Hohaia*; 22. Rosie Kelly*; 23. Tenika Willison*.