Fiao'o Fa'amausili lines up historic 50th cap for Black Ferns

Black Ferns skipper Fiao'o Fa'amausili. Photosport

Black Ferns skipper Fiao'o Fa'amausili will earn an unprecedented 50th Test cap in Thursday night's must-win Women's Rugby World Cup pool match against Canada in Dublin (NZT).

The 36-year-old veteran is playing in her fifth World Cup - three of which she has won - and will line up in her customary No.2 jumper.

One of the finest hookers in the women's game, Fa'amausili has captained the Black Ferns since 2012 and was celebrated on Wednesday by having the Farah Palmer Cup player of the year award named in her honour.

It's the first such award for the New Zealand women's provincial competition, and New Zealand Rugby chair Brent Impey lauded Fa'amausili's longevity.

"There is no team that works harder than the Black Ferns and Fiao'o drives that level of dedication and professionalism," Impey said.

Having smashed Wales 44-12 and Hong Kong 121-0 in their pool matches to date, the Black Ferns must win their match against Canada to guarantee a semi-final berth.

Should they lose, they will have to rely on results elsewhere.

"The Hong Kong match was critical for us to score a good tally of points and have none scored against us. It'll stand us in good stead if points differentials need to be calculated," Black Ferns boss Glenn Moore said.

"Everyone is very buoyant and excited. This will be a very memorable day for Fiao'o - reaching a 50th cap while at a World Cup is extremely special."

Elsewhere, halfback Kendra Cocksedge will bring up her 40th Test cap, while Eloise Blackwell will earn her 30th Test jumper.

The two sides previously played in June, with New Zealand 28-16 victors.

BLACK FERNS: Selica Winiata, Portia Woodman, Stacey Waaka, Kelly Brazier, Renee Wickliffe, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Kendra Cocksedge, Aroha Savage, Sarah Goss, Charmaine McMenamin, Charmaine Smith, Eloise Blackwell, Aldora Itunu, Fiao'o Fa'amausili (c), Toka Natua. Reserves: Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Sosoli Talawadua, Aotearoa Mata'u, Rebecca Wood, Linda Itunu, Kristina Sue, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Carla Hohepa.