Ruby Tui returns at fullback, forming a formidable back three alongside Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Portia Woodman on the wings. After an impressive performance up front against Scotland last weekend, there is only one change in the pack as Chelsea Bremner returns to the starting lineup alongside Maiakawanakaulani Roos at lock, with Joanah Ngan-Woo to provide impact from the bench.
Heading into this weekend’s match, there has been plenty on interest in how the pack would shape up after the Welsh forwards got the better of their New Zealand counterparts in pool play. Assistant coach Wesley Clarke said the team are thankful to face another northern hemisphere opponent in the quarter-finals.
“We are going to get some mauls and some good scrums; where they really challenged us last time, so that is a good thing,” Clarke said.
“There was a lot of stuff in our last game that wasn’t up to our standards so that is what we have been focusing on this week.”
Other changes to the starting side come in the backline, with Kendra Cocksedge and Ruahei Demant return to the No 9 and 10 jerseys while livewire midfielder Stacey Fluhler returns at centre to partner last weekend’s player of the match Theresa Fitzpatrick.
The teams:
Black Ferns: Ruby Tui, Portia Woodman, Stacey Fluhler, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Ruahei Demant (c), Kendra Cocksedge, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Sarah Hirini, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Phillipa Love. Reserves: Luka Connor, Krystal Murray, Santo Taumata, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Kennedy Simon, Ariana Bayler, Hazel Tubic, Renee Holmes.
Wales: Jasmine Joyce, Lowri Norkett, Carys Williams-Morris, Hannah Jones (c), Lisa Neumann, Elinor Snowsill Keira Bevan, Sioned Harries, Alex Callender, Bethan Lewis, Gwen Crabb, Natalia John, Donna Rose, Carys Phillips, Cara Hope. Reserves: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Pyrs, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Georgia Evans, Siwan Lillicrap, Ffion Lewis, Lleucu George, Megan Webb.
Odds:
Black Ferns: $1.001
Wales: $31
Draw: $51.00
Match officials:
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Aurelie Groizeleau (France), Julianne Zussman (Canada)
TMO: Chris Assmus (Canada)
Last five tests:
2022 Black Ferns 56 Wales 12
2017 Black Ferns 44 Wales 12
2014 Black Ferns 63 Wales 7
2010 Black Ferns 41 Wales 8
1991 Black Ferns 24 Wales 6
Form (last five tests):
Black Ferns: W, W, W, W, W
Wales: L, L, L, W, L
The Weather:
It’s going to be humid and overcast in Whangārei this evening, with a chance of rain. Chances are the deck will be damp, but it looks like the heavens won’t open too much during the match.
Catching the action:
The Herald will be live blogging the test. The match is streaming live on Spark Sport at 7.30pm, while delayed free-to-air coverage is available on Three at 8.30pm.
