Rugby: Smith, Woodman to start for Black Ferns

Charmaine Smith will be a target in the lineouts as she starts at lock for the Black Ferns in their first test against the Australia Wallaroos today.

Northlanders Charmaine Smith and Portia Woodman have been slated to start for the Black Ferns in the first of two tests against the Australia Wallaroos this afternoon.

Smith will start at lock, bringing height and athleticism, while Woodman will line up at centre.

Head coach Glenn Moore said: "The team we've selected brings a mix of experience, youth and debutants. The team's come into camp determined to work hard and although they had only a short time to prepare they have quickly gelled as a unit."

Aldora Itunu has been bracketed alongside Toka Natua who will start at prop if Pip Love fails to come through a fitness test later this week.

"Transtasman test matches always bring an extra edge of competition and intensity. The Wallaroos are a bit of an unknown to us at this stage. What we do know is they will be just as determined as we are to get the win."

Moore said the match in front of a home crowd would be extra special for the Black Ferns.

"We're excited to play at Eden Park in front of family, friends and fans. It's going to be a great night."

The side is test-hardened, with only replacement halfback Kristina Sue and prop Aoteroa Mata'u without international experience.

Following the two-test series, the Black Ferns head on their end of tour and will play matches against England, Canada and Ireland.

Portia Woodman will look to make an impact from centre for the Black Ferns. Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Meanwhile, New Zealand sevens captain Sarah Goss and the core of her Olympic silver medal-winning team have signed on for more.

Goss has completed a two-year extension to her contract, taking her through to 2018.

Other players re-signing are 2015 World Rugby sevens player of the year Woodman, Gayle Broughton, Kelly Brazier, Kayla McAlister, Ruby Tui, Terina te Tamaki and Niall Williams.

Black Ferns: Selica Winiata, Honey Hireme, Portia Woodman, Chelsea Alley, Renee Wickliffe, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Kendra Cocksedge, Aroha Savage, Sarah Goss, Rawinia Everitt, Charmaine Smith, Eloise Blackwell, Aleisha Nelson, Fiao'o Fa'amausili (c), Pip Love; Reserves: Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Toka Natua (Aldora Itunu), Aotearoa Mata'u, Charlene Gubb, Charmaine McMenamin, Kristina Sue, Kelly Brazier, Janna Vaughan.