Rugby: Black Ferns unchanged for World Cup semi

Portia Woodman scored eight tries against Hong Kong. Photo / Getty

A big step up in intensity in the Black Ferns squad ahead of tomorrow morning's women's Rugby World Cup semi final against the USA in Belfast.

Coach Glenn Moore has named an unchanged starting 15 with two changes on the bench.

Moore has opted for a six forwards two backs split in the reserves.

Moore said the team had come through their pool play matches well and were ready for the semi-final match against a tough USA side.

"We've planned carefully, and as a result the players have recovered well and are upbeat. Their level of focus both on and off the field is impressive and we're excited by the challenge in front of us."

Moore has made two changes to the squad who faced Canada last week, (48-5), bringing in Aleisha Nelson as prop cover and Lesley Ketu to cover in the loose forwards.

He said the USA had a strong forward pack, and big, athletic backs with a lot of pace.

"USA proved a handful in the second half for England because they have genuine pace on the edges. We expect them to throw everything at us, and when they have the ball they will be very quick."

The Black Ferns will wear black armbands during the match to honour rugby legend Sir Colin Meads who sadly passed away at the weekend.
Black Ferns team to face USA
1.Toka Natua(14)
2.Fiao'o Faamausili - captain(50)
3.Aldora Itunu(13)
4.Eloise Blackwell(30)
5.Charmaine Smith(14)
6.Charmaine McMenamin(12)
7.Sarah Goss (8)
8.Aroha Savage(26)
9.Kendra Cocksedge(40)
10.Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali(17)
11.Renee Wickliffe(28)
12.Kelly Brazier(35)
13.Stacey Waaka (9)
14.Portia Woodman(14)
15.Selica Winiata(29)

16.Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate(18)
17.Sosoli Talawadua (6)
18.Aleisha Nelson(24)
19.Rebecca Wood (5)
20.Lesley Ketu (7)
21.Linda Itunu(34)
22.Theresa Fitzpatrick (5)
23.Carla Hohepa(23)