Rugby: Three newcomers for Black Ferns

Shakira Baker has been selected for the Black Ferns test series against England. Photo / Supplied

Lock Eloise Blackwell, wing Shakira Baker and flanker Amanda Murphy will make their Black Ferns debut when they take on England in the first of three tests at Twickenham on Sunday morning (NZT).

Aucklanders Rawinia Everitt and Hazel Tubic will also get their chance to earn their first caps off the bench.

The four-time women's Rugby World Cup champions will play England immediately after Graham Henry's Barbarians side takes on Australia at Twickenham and it's the first time the two sides have met since the Black Ferns beat England 13-10 in last year's World Cup final.

Black Ferns coach Grant Hansen said the team's preparations for their first clash had gone well and the women were eager to take to the field.

"Competition for starting positions has been strong throughout our trainings in England and it was a difficult task to name the 22 for this first test," he said.

"The team is looking to start the tour with a strong performance at Twickenham. It is an honour to play at this ground and we are excited about what lies ahead."

The current tour is the first part of a three-year programme that will see the Black Ferns play England again in 2012 and 2013.

The Black Ferns team to play England at Twickenham on Sunday (NZT) is:

(Test caps noted in brackets)

15 Victoria Grant (c - 14)
14 Shakira Baker (0)
13 Kelly Brazier (7)
12 Amiria Rule (20)
11 Renee Wickliffe (4)
10 Rebecca Mahoney (13)
9 Emma Jensen (21)
8 Casey Robertson (28)
7 Justine Lavea (14)
6 Amanda Murphy (0)
5 Eloise Blackwell (0)
4 Vita Robinson (8)
3 Mel Bosman (12)
2 Fiao'o Faamausili (20)
1 Kathleen Wilton (2)

16 Karina Penetito (9)
17 Doris Taufateau (4)
18 Rawina Everitt (0)
19 Aroha Savage (2)
20 Kendra Cocksedge (8)
21 Teresa Te Tamaki (2)
22 Hazel Tubic (0)