Plenty of new caps in Black Ferns side

Black Ferns winger Honey Hireme. Photo / Brett Phibbs

There could be potentially as many as eight new Black Ferns when they face Canada this Sunday (8.30am NZT) in Calgary.

The squad of 23 includes four who will run on for their debuts, and four off the bench, including Auckland prop Aldora Itunu and Manawatu utility back Janna Vaughan, both profiled by the Herald this week.

Head coach for the series, Glenn Moore, said the team had settled in well in camp and was focused on winning test matches.

"Every day since we've been here the women have been stepping up more and more. They are very well prepared and there's a high level of desire to win. They've really been putting in the extra yards, on and off the field."

Moore said the new members of the squad had fronted up well and were ready to pull on the black jersey.

"They all have loads of enthusiasm and the more experienced members of the team have been taking the time to help the younger women prepare. When the team takes to the field this weekend they will be ready to step up and play for New Zealand."

Canada finished runner-up to England in the Women's Rugby World Cup last year. The Black Ferns will also face England and the USA in the Women's Super Series. This is the Black Ferns' first outing for nearly 10 months since that World Cup.

There is no TV coverage, but the game will be live streamed here:

The team is: Selica Winiata (vc), Honey Hireme, Stacey Waaka*, Chelsea Alley, Renee Wickliffe, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Kendra Cocksedge, Linda Itunu, Justine Lavea, Charlene Halapua*, Charmaine Smith*, Eloise Blackwell, Aleisha Nelson, Fiao'o Fa'amausili (c), Toka Natua*

Reserves: Teresa Te Tamaki, Aldora Itunu*, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate, Angie Sisifa*, Lesley Ketu, Emma Jensen, Kiritapu Demant*, Janna Vaughan*