Rugby: Smith, Woodman to start against Canada

Charmaine Smith will start at blindside flanker for the Black Ferns against Canada in Dublin. Photo/Photosport.nz

Two Northlanders will line up for the Black Ferns as their tough season continues in Dublin.

Charmaine Smith will start at blindside flanker while Portia Woodman will line up on the right wing as New Zealand face world number two Canada.

Open side flanker Sharnita Woodman has been named in the team for the first time and is one of six changes to the side that played England in London.

Wellington Pride's Jackie Fereti (nee Patea) has been named to replace Rawinia Everitt who has returned home with a shoulder injury. Charlene Gubb will start at lock.

Carla Hohepa comes off the bench to be named in the starting 15 at centre.

Head Coach Glenn Moore said the Black Ferns were tested during their 25-20 win over England at the weekend and he expects the same from the Canadians.

"Canada will be buoyed after beating the Irish 48-7 at the weekend. They are a side that's getting better and better and their confidence will be high. We're expecting another tough match."

Meanwhile, Woodman has been named in a new look women's sevens team which had 10 players unavailable.

The opening tournament is in Dubai next week, meaning Woodman will head straight from the Black Ferns tour to meet up with the squad.

Head Coach Allan Bunting said the upcoming Series was about building the foundations for the long-term success of the team.

"2016 has been a good year for the Black Ferns Sevens. We won silver at the Rio Olympics and were runners up in the last World Rugby Women's Sevens Series. The team has a lot to be proud about over the last four years and has helped inspire record numbers of women and girls to take up playing rugby."

"Dubai kicks off our new journey to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. There is a real sense of excitement and we can't wait to get going."

"It's exciting that super-boot Kelly Brazier and World Sevens Series top try scorer Portia Woodman will be joining the squad at the conclusion of the Black Ferns Northern Tour."

"This highlights the collaboration between the sevens and fifteens programmes and the ability for players to move between the two, adding value to both."