Women face hurried preparation for test

The New Zealand women's team always scramble when it comes to preparation.

But they're nearly always clinical when it comes to putting their opponents away.

Preparation has again been hurried in the lead-up to their two tests against England.

Coach Jed Rowlands has had his squad for four days before today's first test at Eden Park.

He has concentrated on organising a simple game plan to suit the short preparation and ensure the game develops properly from their set pieces.

"It's more organisational than anything else," he said.

"The girls are quite used to it [short time together]. But they do their best and make the most of the sessions."

However, the team's backline combination is an experienced one and Rowlands said he was fortunate not to have lost any player from that department.

Veteran hooker Farah Palmer, captain since 1997 and who has played 30 tests at least, has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Rowlands has appointed openside flanker Rochelle Martin, an Otahuhu firefighter, captain in her place.

"We have experienced leadership in the team and that makes my job easier," Martin, 32, said.

She has played 26 tests for the Black Ferns since making her international debut against Australia in 1994.

Both the captain and coach watched England demolish a New Zealand Invitation 15 40-8.

It was England's second win in as many matches since their arrival last week. They thumped Samoa 53-0 earlier.

"They're very well organised this time," said Rowlands.

None of the Black Ferns has played for a month.

"It's going to be pretty tough against this English side for the first 20 minutes or so," Martin predicted.

She will be looking at such players as Hannah Myers, Anna Richards, Casey Robertson and Melissa Ruscoe to get her side going.

* Black Ferns v England, Eden Park, 4.45pm today

Black Ferns

Amiria Marsh, Claire Richardson, Hannah Myers, Exia Edwards, S. Mortimer, Anna Richards, Emma Jensen, Marina Canterbury, Rochelle Martin (c), Melissa Ruscoe, Victoria Heighway, Monalisa Codling, Casey Robertson, Fiao'o Fa'amausili, Helen Va'aga,

Reserves: Karina Penetito, Diane Maliukaetau, Kimberley Smith, Justine Lavea, Waimania Teddy, Piki Solomon, Amy Williams.

England

Sue Day, Nicky Crawford, M. Staniford, Kimberly Oliver, Kim Shaylor, Karen Andrew, Joanne Yapp, Georgia Stevens, Helen Clayton, Shannon Baker, C. Spencer, Rachel Vickers, Vanessa Gray, Selena Rudge, Rochelle Clarke

England: Amy Garnett, Vanessa Huxford, Margaret Alphonsi, Karen Jones, Danielle Waterman, Alice Richardson, Vicky Massarella.

- NZPA