Four Black Ferns on the Pacific Four Series tour are set to return home without a test cap.
A trio of 19-year-olds, Taufa Bason, Hollyrae Mete-Renata and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, and 23-year-old late injury replacement Sam Taylor will return without having their numbers called.
The scenario is one Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen said the group had been transparent about from the outset, and the players were aware of, coming in.
“We’ve talked heaps with those athletes and they were really clear coming in. We were pretty transparent around that and what the learning was,” Hansen said.
“I think the cool thing that they’re coming back with is the learnings they’ve taken from being away on tour.
“They know their time will come if they keep working hard and they’ve been excited about the learnings and the growth in their games just from being around these athletes.”
In recent Black Ferns seasons, selection in the touring squad has generally led to at least one appearance for a player as the side looked to build on its depth.
However, in her first tour at the helm, Hansen has taken a different approach and noted the opportunity that simply being in the squad presented for young players, while largely opting for continuity on the field.
That has again been a feature of the squad Hansen has put together for Saturday night’s test against the Wallaroos on the Sunshine Coast, with limited changes to the 23.
Mo’omo’oga Palu will make her first test appearance starting at tighthead prop alongside experienced front row partners Chryss Viliko (20 tests) and Georgia Ponsonby (39).
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu moves to the bench and Tanya Kalounivale drops out of the matchday squad.
Outside back Justine McGregor draws the assignment on the right wing for her first start in three tests, with Mererangi Paul moving to the bench in a straight swap.
She is joined there by 10-test Black Ferns hooker Atlanta Lolohea, who replaces Vici-Rose Green as Ponsonby’s cover.
“I think continuity is important but we also need to think about how we keep growing depth so that we’ve got a team that’s going to be really sustainable long-term.
“For both Justine and Ona [Palu], that’s an exciting opportunity for them to start, and you might see some different people come off the bench in different positions too,” Hansen said.
“We had a game that we wanted to come out and showcase to the world and showcase to our fans back home and showcase to ourselves.
“We’re happy with the performances we’re putting out there. We’re building every week and I know this week we’ll go one better again.”
The Black Ferns have been impressive in their first tour under Hansen’s charge, with big wins over both the United States and Canada to be on the verge of retaining the Pacific Four Series title.
A bonus-point loss will be good enough for the Black Ferns to lift the trophy again.
Australia have never beaten the Black Ferns and are currently at the bottom of the Pacific Four Series standings with two losses and a –45 points differential.
“They’re coming out with nothing to lose and everything to play for,” Hansen said of the Wallaroos.
“What we know is we haven’t seen the best of Australia yet. They’re building every week, they’ve been better each time they’ve come out, they’ll be incredibly physical and they’re playing at home.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting opportunity to see them at their best too.”
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Saturday, April 25, 9.45pm (NZT).
Black Ferns v Australia (test caps in brackets)
1. Chryss Viliko (20)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (39)
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu (uncapped)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (40)
5. Laura Bayfield (8)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (37)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (36) - co-captain
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (18)
9. Maia Joseph (18)
10. Ruahei Demant (53) - co-captain
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (32)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (31)
13. Amy Du’Plessis (24)
14. Justine McGregor (2)
15. Renee Holmes (31)
Bench:
16. Atlanta Lolohea (10)
17. Maddison Robinson (2)
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (5)
19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (9)
20. Mia Anderson (2)
21. Tara Turner (2)
22. Hannah King (12)
23. Mererangi Paul (16)
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.